Government Responds to 2026 Kumamoto Earthquake Deaths and Infrastructure Damage

The 2026 Kumamoto Earthquake occurred on the 28th, and extensive damage has been confirmed, including numerous collapsed buildings and damaged roads in addition to human casualties. At a government briefing, it was reported that police had reported 35 deaths, including cases whose connection to the disaster is still under investigation.

Police and fire-service responses to rescue incidents reported within Kumamoto Prefecture have all concluded, except at Aeon Mall Kumamoto. The government is advancing lifesaving and rescue operations while relevant ministers coordinate to assess the damage and support needs.

The briefing also reported that, in addition to earthquake response, 18 general matters and other items, the promulgation of treaties, Cabinet orders, and personnel appointments were decided by the Cabinet, and that the first meeting of the National Intelligence Council was held following the enforcement of the National Intelligence Council Establishment Act.

Because extremely hot days continue in the affected areas, the government is urging evacuees to take precautions against heatstroke. It is also asking each evacuation shelter about support needs such as food, water, and fuel.

Because aftershocks and other tremors continue, residents are being urged to avoid entering dangerous areas and to take actions to protect themselves. In areas that experienced strong shaking, people are being asked to check evacuation information from local governments via radio, television, and the internet before taking action.

The government is advancing rescue operations, evacuation-shelter support, lifeline restoration, and supply deliveries in parallel, assisting affected people in coordination with affected local governments. Volunteers are being asked to remain alert to future earthquakes and cooperate only after carefully checking information issued by local governments.

Yesterday, the government established an on-site response headquarters headed by Deputy Minister Tsushima and began operations with approximately 120 personnel, including senior officials from each ministry. Additional personnel will be assigned as necessary, and the headquarters is asking evacuation shelters in areas such as those still experiencing power outages about support needs including food, water, and fuel.

As of 7:30 a.m., power outages affected a total of approximately 4,500 households in Yatsushiro City, Uki City, and Hikawa Town; water outages affected a total of approximately 79,000 households in Yatsushiro City, Uki City, and other areas; and gas supply was suspended for approximately 9,000 households in Yatsushiro City.

As of 5 a.m., 45 water-supply trucks from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism and the Japan Water Works Association were operating, and 49 Self-Defense Forces water-supply trucks were scheduled to operate that day. Water delivery by Japan Coast Guard patrol vessels has also begun at Yatsushiro Port and Misumi Port. Power-supply vehicles were dispatched to 8 sites, and Kyushu Electric Power has announced that it will restore power outages by this evening.

The government is advancing push-type deliveries that address needs including those of hospitals. It arranged 240,000 bottles of drinking water, of which 30,000 bottles have arrived at the affected area. Residents are being urged to remain attentive to earthquake information and evacuation information from local governments, while supporters are being asked to check volunteer information from local governments.

As another policy response, regarding measures against bear-related damage, the government confirmed initiatives by relevant ministries toward this autumn and instructed them to systematically strengthen managed captures in the spring season next year and conduct population surveys in the Kanto and Hokuriku regions. In light of the fact that most recent fatal incidents occurred while people were gathering wild mountain vegetables, the government also urged the public to exercise caution. During the briefing, the reference to a “meeting of relevant ministers” was corrected to “ministerial discussion.”