13 killed in Kumamoto earthquake: Japanese PM Takaichi
Tokyo, July 29
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on Wednesday said that 13 people were killed after an earthquake of magnitude 7.1 jolted Kumamoto prefecture. She said that extensive damage, including human injuries, building collapses, fires, and road damage, has been confirmed following Tuesday's earthquake.
The earthquake of magnitude 7.1 struck Kumamoto Prefecture at a depth of 10 kilometres at 4:27 pm (local time) on Tuesday, Japan's Kyodo News reported, citing the country's Meteorological Agency.
Takaichi offered condolences to the victims and expressed sympathies with the bereaved families. She assured that the Japanese government is working swiftly to assess the damage caused by the earthquake, while relevant ministries and agencies are working to address initial responses.
The Japanese PM expressed the government's commitment to restore essential infrastructure like electricity in regions impacted by power outages and water shortages. The Self-Defence Forces have, meanwhile, been conducting water supply operations and carrying patients.
Takaichi held the Second Extraordinary Disaster Countermeasures Headquarters Meeting for the Kumamoto earthquake on Wednesday. Kumamoto Prefecture Governor Kimura, as well as Deputy Minister Tsushima of the Cabinet Office, attended the meeting virtually.
Following the meeting, Takaichi, in a post on X, wrote, "Regarding search and rescue operations, the Self-Defense Forces have been reinforced to approximately 4,600 personnel, the police to approximately 2,000, and the fire services to approximately 1,400, with tireless search and rescue activities underway."
"Search and rescue operations are a race against time. At sites including 'ION Mall Kumamoto' and the 'Nippon Paper Yatsushiro Mill,' there are still people awaiting rescue. I requested that each operational unit, while strengthening personnel and equipment, devote every effort to saving and rescuing as many lives as possible," she added.
Japanese PM said that evacuation shelters have been established at approximately 450 locations, with around 7,700 people taking refuge. She said that the ministries and agencies are working to provide support to shelters, including essential items like food and water, cardboard beds, hygiene products, and toilet paper, as well as arranging air conditioners and power supply vehicles.
"I once again requested that they accurately grasp the needs of affected individuals and municipalities, and devote full efforts to ensuring good shelter environments, including heatstroke prevention measures. In particular, given the large number of disaster victims staying in their vehicles ('vehicle camping'), I requested that they ensure a robust supply of gasoline, and strengthen patrols and follow-up care by public health nurses and others to prevent 'economy class syndrome'," stated Takaichi.
— IANS
Reader Comments
The way Japan handles earthquakes is commendable. 4,600 Self-Defence Forces deployed within hours, 450 shelters set up. In India, we need similar disaster management systems, especially in earthquake-prone zones like Himachal and Uttarakhand. Our NDRF does good work but we can learn a lot from Japan's preparedness.
PM Takaichi's handling of this crisis shows real leadership. Personally overseeing rescue operations, detailing shelter management, even thinking about 'vehicle camping' and economy class syndrome prevention. Compare this to how some Indian politicians react during disasters - always late, always making excuses. We need more accountable leadership.
Japan's engineering is truly world-class. Buildings withstand 7.1 magnitude earthquakes with limited collapse. We in India still have so many unsafe constructions in cities. Need stricter building codes and enforcement. God forbid but if such quake hits Delhi or Mumbai, the devastation would be unimaginable. Time to learn from Japanese standards. 🇯🇵
Deepest condolences to Japan. As someone who lived through the 2001 Gujarat earthquake, I know the trauma these families are going through. The 7,700 people in shelters need our prayers. Hope international aid reaches quickly. India should offer whatever assistance Japan needs - we're always grateful for their support during our own disasters.
Incredible how Japan's emergency services coordinate. Police, fire, defence forces all working together seamlessly. Meanwhile in India, we still have issues with inter-agency coordination during disasters. The Japanese attention to detail is unmatched - thinking about hygiene products, cardboard beds, toilet paper for shelters shows real care. We should implement similar protocols in NDMA. 🙏
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