Japan’s Kumamoto Prefecture was hit hard by a strong earthquake, leading to a serious disaster. As of the evening of July 29th, more than ten people have been confirmed dead, with several others reported missing. Nearly ten thousand residents have been evacuated to shelters across the prefecture, and tens of thousands of households are facing water and electricity shortages. In response, the Self-Defense Forces have mobilized ships and transport aircraft to deliver water and air conditioning equipment. At the same time, rescue teams are working tirelessly to locate individuals trapped in factories and collapsed shopping centers.
According to official statistics from Kumamoto Prefecture as of the evening of July 29th, the earthquake has resulted in a total of 82 casualties, including 12 fatalities, 6 individuals showing no signs of life, and 8 seriously injured.
Currently, there are 466 emergency shelters set up in Kumamoto Prefecture, providing refuge to 9,872 displaced residents.
Reports from the Yomiuri Shimbun indicate that the earthquake has caused water supply disruptions to as many as 56,815 households in the prefecture. Additionally, 31 medical facilities in cities like Yatsushiro and Uki are facing power outages and water shortages. The Self-Defense Forces and relevant authorities have dispatched multiple water supply trucks to distribute emergency drinking water to shelters and communities.
Defense Minister Koizumi announced on the morning of the 29th that the Maritime Self-Defense Forces have deployed four vessels carrying essential supplies including drinking water, expected to arrive in Kumamoto that evening. To combat the sweltering heat and prevent heatstroke among residents, the Air Self-Defense Forces have also dispatched C-2 transport planes loaded with 300 portable air conditioning units to Kumamoto, which successfully reached the area on the same day. The equipment will be transported to the disaster-affected areas via Self-Defense Force vehicles.
Following a building explosion incident post-earthquake involving the Aeon Group, a press conference was held in Kumamoto City on the evening of the 29th. Aeon Group President Akio Yoshida offered apologies at the beginning, expressing deep shame and regret for the tragic loss of lives and extending heartfelt condolences to the victims’ families, while conveying sincere apologies to those affected.
During the press conference, Aeon Group management disclosed that as of the evening of the 29th, the incident had resulted in 3 fatalities, 1 individual with no vital signs, 4 individuals hospitalized due to earthquake-related injuries, and the successful rescue of one person. Furthermore, three store employees remain unaccounted for.
According to reports, at 4:30 pm on the 28th when the strong earthquake struck, around 3,000 customers and 1,300 to 1,500 staff were inside the shopping center. Staff promptly guided everyone to evacuate outdoors once the shaking ceased, completing the evacuation by 5:00 pm. Unfortunately, the building experienced an explosion around 5:50 pm.
Initial assessments from Aeon Group suggest that a gas leak likely triggered the explosion, but the investigation is ongoing to determine whether the emergency gas shut-off device was functioning properly at the time. The Aeon Mall facility used liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) for its restaurants and air conditioning systems, with gas supply tanks located near the building.
In another report by the Kumamoto Shinbun, the earthquake caused the chimney of Nippon Paper Industries’ Yatsushiro Factory in Yatsushiro City to collapse, trapping 11 individuals inside the premises. Rescue teams have already saved 7 individuals; however, 5 of them were confirmed dead, 2 sustained moderate injuries, and 4 individuals remain missing. Fire and police departments have been conducting ongoing search and rescue operations since the 29th.
A statement from a subcontractor at the paper mill expressed shock at the chimney collapse, stating, “We never imagined it would escalate to a situation where the chimney broke.” He pointed out that there were four chimneys on the premises, with three severely damaged based on external observations.