The Fire and Disaster Management Agency said Tuesday that 11,672 people were taken to hospitals nationwide to be treated for heatstroke in the week from July 27 to Aug 2, the first time ever that the number of heatstroke patents has surpassed 10,000 in one week.

Tokyo had the highest number of heatstroke victims at 1,095, followed by Aichi with 989, Fuji TV reported. Three deaths in Aichi were attributed to heatstroke, bringing the total number of deaths from heatstroke to 25 nationwide so far this summer.

The Japan Meteorological Agency said the scorching weather is expected to continue through the weekend.

Health ministry officials are urging people, especially the elderly, to drink plenty of water and use the air conditioner.

Last year, more than 50,000 people were taken to hospital to be treated for heat exhaustion between May and September, according to the Fire and Disaster Management Agency.

© Japan Today