Tokyo reports most heat-related hospitalisations since 2010

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TOKYO: Tokyo's relentless heatwave sent a record 453 people to hospital in a single day, while one person died from suspected heatstroke as extreme temperatures continued to grip the Japanese capital. Authorities warned residents to take urgent precautions as emergency services struggled to cope with the surge in heat-related illnesses.

Tokyo recorded on Wednesday the most daily heat-related hospitalisations since 2010, emergency services said Thursday as Japan sweltered in a severe heatwave.

Most of those hospitalised were elderly people, who remain the most vulnerable during prolonged periods of intense heat. Medical teams responded to hundreds of emergency calls as soaring temperatures increased the risk of dehydration, heat exhaustion and heatstroke across the city.

Officials urged people to stay indoors whenever possible, avoid unnecessary outdoor activities during the hottest hours of the day, drink plenty of water and use air conditioning to reduce the risk of heat-related illness. They also advised residents to regularly check on older family members and neighbours.

Forecasters warned that the extreme heat is expected to persist, raising concerns that hospitals and emergency responders could face continued pressure if temperatures remain dangerously high over the coming days.