Survey Finds Chimney Damage After 2026 Kumamoto Earthquake
Overview
Following chimney collapses in the 2026 Kumamoto Earthquake, a survey of reinforced-concrete chimneys taller than 60 m found damage or deterioration in 180 of 444 nationwide, about 40%. Relevant ministries have requested emergency repairs from the facilities concerned and plan to follow up on progress. The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism and designated administrative agencies will also share the results and repair methods, track implementation, respond to inquiries, and provide necessary guidance.
Key points
- Damage or deterioration was found in about 40% of the chimneys surveyed.
- Emergency repair efforts have been requested for chimneys where damage or deterioration was found.
- The ministries responsible and other relevant bodies plan to follow up on progress.
Overview
Following chimney collapses in the 2026 Kumamoto Earthquake, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism asked facilities nationwide to conduct a survey through the relevant ministries. The survey covered reinforced-concrete chimneys taller than 60 m.
Damage or deterioration was found in 180 of the 444 chimneys covered by the survey.
Impact
The ministries responsible for each sector and other relevant bodies will request emergency repair efforts from facilities that own chimneys where damage or deterioration was found.
The ministries responsible and other relevant bodies plan to follow up on progress going forward.
Details
The surveyed facilities include those involved in waste treatment, iron and steelmaking, papermaking, chemicals, cement production, electricity, glassmaking, oil refining, nonferrous metal smelting, food, pharmaceuticals, sewerage, and salt production, among other sectors.
The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism will inform designated administrative agencies of the survey results and emergency repair methods for damage or deterioration. These agencies will track operators’ efforts, answer inquiries about repair methods, and provide necessary guidance.