35 killed, 7,000 treated for heatstroke in a week

Last week was the most fatal week this year for heatstroke in Japan, with the deaths of 35 people.

The Fire and Disaster management Agency says the number of people hospitalized for heatstroke during the week through Sunday was 7,071 -- the largest number by the week for this year.

More than 1,000 people per day were treated at hospitals over 3 consecutive days through Thursday, as the mercury shot up to more than 35 degrees Celsius in many parts of the country. Wednesday was particularly severe, with the number reaching 1,428.

An NHK survey shows that at least 35 people died of heatstroke in 12 prefectures during the week through Sunday, marking the largest weekly death toll this year.

People aged 65 and older accounted for 77 percent of the deaths. More than 30 percent died between 5 PM and 5 AM.

Emergency officials say the number of heatstroke cases increased because temperatures remained over 25 degrees at night last week, in addition to the intense heat during the day.

They are calling for caution against heatstroke at all times, day or night, as the hot weather is expected to continue this week.