Government Continues Rescue and Shelter Support After 2026 Kumamoto Earthquake

The earthquake with a seismic intensity of 7 centered in Kumamoto Prefecture caused extensive damage, including casualties, collapsed buildings, fires, and damaged roads. Since the earthquake occurred, the government has been assessing the damage and conducting initial response efforts through coordination among the relevant ministries and agencies.

Regarding the Reiwa 8 Kumamoto Earthquake, 13 deaths were confirmed as of 8:30 a.m. today, including cases whose connection to the disaster is still under investigation.

Measures to address the heat are required not only for disaster-affected people but also for those engaged in life-saving, rescue, and recovery work. Because hot days continue in the affected areas, the government is urging people to take sufficient precautions against heatstroke.

With people still waiting for rescue, the government regards the situation as a race against time and aims to save and rescue as many people as possible through a full-scale effort at the scene.

Local personnel, centered on the police, fire departments, Japan Coast Guard, and Self-Defense Forces, are conducting life-saving and rescue operations throughout the night. The Self-Defense Forces are also providing water and transporting patients.

In areas experiencing power outages or water supply disruptions, the government is advancing infrastructure restoration. In addition to food, water, cardboard beds, and toilet paper, the government is delivering air conditioners and power supply vehicles to evacuation shelters through push-based support to secure suitable evacuation conditions.

The government will hold the second meeting of the Emergency Disaster Management Headquarters from 1:30 p.m. and, after gathering and sharing information, accelerate efforts across all ministries and agencies.