Japan Quake Survivors Face Thirst and Heat as Death Toll Climbs to 17

A powerful 7.1-magnitude earthquake struck southern Japan, causing significant destruction in the city of Yatsushiro. The quake has left many residents grappling with a lack of water and electricity amid sweltering summer temperatures. As of Thursday, two days after the disaster, at least 17 lives have been lost, with ongoing concerns about the invisible threats posed by the extreme heat.

Ongoing Relief Efforts

Approximately 58,000 households in Yatsushiro remain without running water or power. Akio Matsushita, a town official involved in relief efforts, expressed uncertainty about the timeline for restoring essential services, stating that the repairs to the damaged water mains could take days, weeks, or even months. He emphasized the severity of the situation, particularly due to the oppressive summer heat.

With the municipal building’s toilets rendered inoperable, emergency toilets have been set up over sewer manholes outside, as temperatures soar to around 35 degrees Celsius (95 degrees Fahrenheit). Matsushita noted that the restoration process would be painstaking and that no timetable is currently available.

Rising Death Toll

The Kumamoto prefectural government has confirmed that the death toll from the earthquake has reached 17. Most fatalities occurred at the Nippon Paper Industries paper mill, which suffered extensive structural damage, and at Aeon’s shopping mall, where a suspected gas explosion took place. Additionally, six individuals are reported to be in cardiopulmonary arrest, bringing the total number of deaths linked to the earthquake to 30, according to government sources.

Among the deceased is a newlywed Vietnamese factory worker, survived by his wife and their seven-month-old child. His wife, Vu Thi Thuy, recounted her last conversation with him, recalling how their son had unexpectedly wanted to see his father during a video call the night before the quake. She expressed disbelief that it would be their final communication.

Heatstroke Concerns

As rescue and relief operations continue, officials in Kumamoto have issued warnings about the risk of heatstroke, with temperatures expected to approach 40 degrees Celsius over the weekend. The Self-Defense Forces (SDF) are deploying around 300 air-conditioning units to evacuation centers and other critical locations throughout Kumamoto.

In the immediate aftermath of the earthquake, SDF trucks delivered water tanks to community centers and schools in Yatsushiro, with residents limited to receiving five liters each. Masahiro Miyamoto, a local resident involved in clearing debris, reported that he found his home intact while his neighbor’s house had collapsed. He is currently relying on military water supplies due to the lack of running water.

Shops that remain open are experiencing high demand, with long lines forming at petrol stations as residents search for essential supplies. Miyamoto remarked on the inevitability of disasters in Japan, suggesting that it is something the population must learn to endure.

Impact on Manufacturing

Japan is situated on the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” a region known for its seismic activity, accounting for approximately one-fifth of the world’s significant earthquakes. While stringent building codes and regular disaster preparedness drills have mitigated casualties, the impact of such powerful tremors can still be devastating.

The Kumamoto region, along with other areas in Kyushu, has become increasingly vital for automobile and semiconductor production. The recent earthquake has led major manufacturers, including Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Aisin, and Sony, to halt some operations. Taiwan’s TSMC has also evacuated workers and temporarily suspended operations to assess potential damage.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara acknowledged the difficulty in estimating the earthquake’s economic impact. He stated that the immediate focus is on restoring and repairing critical infrastructure, including ports and other essential facilities, while closely monitoring the effects on economic activity, particularly in the semiconductor and automotive sectors.

Residents of Yatsushiro and nearby Kumamoto city have faced significant earthquakes in the past, including two major quakes in April 2016 that resulted in over 260 fatalities and widespread destruction. However, many have described the recent tremors as more severe than previous experiences. Miyamoto noted the disorienting sensation of the quake, stating that it felt as if he were weightless and being thrown through the air.

As reported by www.arnnewscentre.ae.

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Published on 2026-07-30 09:57:00 • By FAME Delivered News Desk