KUMAMOTO : More than 6,000 people remain in evacuation centers nearly two weeks after a powerful earthquake struck Japan’s Kumamoto Prefecture, as authorities continue relief and recovery operations amid concerns over extreme heat.
According to the prefectural government’s disaster response headquarters, 39 deaths had been confirmed as of 7:30 a.m. Monday following the magnitude 7.1 earthquake on July 28. Another 24 people suffered serious injuries.
Among the fatalities, one death from suspected heatstroke may have been linked to the disaster, while authorities are investigating two other deaths for possible connections to the earthquake.
Evacuee Numbers Decline
The number of people staying at evacuation centers has fallen significantly since the immediate aftermath of the earthquake.
- July 30: 10,467 evacuees across 415 shelters
- Monday: 6,165 evacuees across 99 shelters
However, authorities remain concerned about heatstroke, particularly as daytime temperatures in the prefecture are forecast to reach around 35°C later this week.
Hotels Being Prepared for Secondary Evacuation
The Kumamoto government is preparing to move some evacuees from shelters to hotels and other accommodation facilities as part of a secondary evacuation programme.
As of Sunday, 148 facilities across the prefecture had indicated that they were ready to accommodate evacuees. Of the 996 applications received, 103 had been approved.
More Than 21,000 Homes Damaged
The earthquake has caused extensive damage to residential buildings.
Authorities have confirmed damage to 21,614 residential structures, including:
- 1,744 destroyed or heavily damaged
- 7,876 partially damaged
Water supply disruptions are also continuing to affect more than 30,000 households in Uki and Yatsushiro cities and Hikawa town.
Emergency restoration work is expected to be completed by the end of August.
Schools Prepare for Reopening
With schools expected to reopen following the summer holidays, the prefectural government and Japan’s education ministry are assessing the condition of school buildings and other educational facilities.
Authorities are identifying repair requirements and other challenges that could affect the return of students.
Volunteers Continue Relief Efforts
Volunteer centers have been established in all 11 municipalities requiring assistance.
As of 2 p.m. Sunday, 2,451 volunteers had participated in disaster relief and recovery activities across the affected areas.
Kyushu Shinkansen Section Remains Suspended
Transportation services are also being restored gradually.
The Kyushu Shinkansen section between Kumamoto and Shin-Minamata stations remains suspended following the earthquake.
JR Kyushu is expected to announce sometime in August when services on the affected section can resume.
Bottom line: Nearly two weeks after the Kumamoto earthquake, thousands remain displaced, while authorities continue working on housing, water supply, transportation and school infrastructure. The approaching heatwave is adding another challenge for evacuees and emergency workers.
