As a fierce heatwave grips Japan, more than 10,000 people have been rushed to hospitals due to heatstroke over the past week, according to reports by NHK and other outlets on July 22.

Data compiled by Japan's Fire and Disaster Management Agency under the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications showed that 10,857 people were transported to hospitals between July 13 and 19.

This figure represents a more than twofold surge compared to the 4,580 people hospitalized during the preceding week, and a sharp increase from the 4,064 people transported throughout the entire month of June.

Among those hospitalized for heatstroke over the past week, 14 deaths were reported, while 4,382 patients were categorized as severely ill and requiring hospitalization.

Scorching heat continues to persist across various regions throughout Japan day after day.

On this day, Kuwana in Mie Prefecture recorded 40.6°C (105°F), breaking the record for the highest temperature of the year. Meanwhile, temperatures climbed to 40.1°C (104°F) in Sakuma, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka Prefecture, and Mino in Gifu Prefecture.

Toyota in Aichi Prefecture recorded a high of 39.8°C (104°F), and central Tokyo saw temperatures rise to 36.1°C (97°F).

(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)