Kumamoto Quake Frightens Locals; Many Recall 2016 Disaster

Kumamoto, July 28 (Jiji Press)–Tuesday’s massive earthquake that recorded a seismic intensity of up to 7 in Kumamoto Prefecture frightened local residents, many of whom recalled the 2016 quake disaster that hit the southwestern Japan prefecture. The day’s temblor, which happened around 4:27 p.m., flattened many houses, caused fires and cut off roads. Local governments are collecting information on the damage from the quake. “I’m scared because aftershocks continue,” said one resident. Another added, “I felt (the quake was) worse than those of 10 years ago.” In the city of Uki, the seismic intensity reached 7, highest on the Japanese scale. At a local welfare facility, the ceilings of the multipurpose hall were partially torn off, and kitchenware was scattered. About 20 people were present, including staff and visitors, but no injuries were reported. A 39-year-old facility employee described the event, saying, “There was a sudden strong shaking.” He pointed to the need to establish an evacuation shelter as power and water outages continued. Mashiki, which experienced a seismic intensity of 7 during the Kumamoto quake disaster 10 years ago, recorded an intensity of upper 6 this time. Yuko Kitagawa, 65, head of a local stationery shop, reflected on her experience since the 2016 disaster. “It was really hard to start from scratch, with my house and shop collapsed in the quakes 10 years ago. I thought my life would finally get easier, but my heart breaks,” Kitagawa said. A woman working at a local restaurant said: “Refrigerators have fallen down, glasses and plates have been broken, and the restaurant is in a total mess. I’m scared because aftershocks are still coming.” According to the city of Yatsushiro, which recorded an intensity of upper 6 this time, the city hall received numerous calls immediately after the quake reporting damage, including collapsed houses and damaged roads. “The shaking lasted 20 to 30 seconds, and it was so hard that I couldn’t stay on my feet,” Yatsushiro crisis management official Seiichi Akinaga said. “I felt it was worse than 10 years ago. We’ll gather information as we don’t know details of the damage.” Footage taken by a Ground Self-Defense Force helicopter over the site immediately after the quake shows white smoke rising from buildings in many places in Uki. At some buildings, outer walls partially collapsed. In Yatsushiro, trucks were seen stranded due to large bumps on the road, with people exiting their vehicles. Multiple houses collapsed, with fire engines parked in front of damaged structures, the footage showed. In the 2016 disaster, Kumamoto was hit by a massive quake April 14 and an even bigger quake two days later, both registering an intensity of up to 7. END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]