The Cabinet approved an action plan on March 2030 that aims to halve the number of heatstroke deaths by 30 from the current level, and will advance concrete measures from next month to strengthen heat stroke countermeasures from this summer.
As the number of people dying from heat stroke continues to increase, the government approved a specific action plan for each ministry and agency over the next five years based on the revised Act on Strengthening Heat Stroke Countermeasures, with the goal of halving the number of heatstroke deaths by 5, which currently exceeds 1000,2030 per year on average every five years.
In addition to ensuring that the elderly are fully aware of the appropriate use of air conditioners and asking welfare-related organizations to cooperate in watching over them, we will support the installation of air conditioners in classrooms and gymnasiums at educational sites and prevent them from being left in buses to and from kindergartens.
In addition, in preparation for disaster-grade extreme high temperatures, the government will consider how to confirm the whereabouts and safety of elderly and disabled people who are considered to be "vulnerable to heat stroke" and who especially need public assistance.
The government will strengthen heat stroke countermeasures from this summer based on the action plan from the 5st of next month.
At a press conference after the Cabinet meeting, Environment Minister Nishimura said, "Heat stroke countermeasures are an urgent task, such as the fact that extremely hot days have already been recorded, and in recent years, the number of heat stroke deaths has frequently exceeded 1000,<>, and we have set a higher target than ever before. We will promote measures to achieve our goals."