Kumamoto quake toll rises to 39

The death toll from the devastating 7.1 magnitude earthquake that struck Kumamoto Prefecture on July 28 has risen to 39, according to the prefectural government's disaster response headquarters. Out of the total fatalities, 36 people died directly due to the earthquake while one person succumbed to suspected heatstroke, believed to be a disaster-related death caused by the physical and mental strain of being an evacuee.

Two additional deaths are still under investigation for possible links to the earthquake. So far, the temblor has caused 205 casualties in the prefecture, with 23 severe injuries. Approximately 6,500 people continue to reside in evacuation centers following the quake, which damaged around 18,000 homes, including 699 that were completely destroyed.

Water shortages persist, affecting about 36,400 households in the region, with the cities of Yatsushiro and Uki being the most impacted with 23,460 and 9,900 households respectively. Volunteer cleanup efforts are anticipated to intensify in the coming days as the hardest-hit areas of Hikawa and Yatsushiro welcome outside assistance.

Governor Takashi Kimura of Kumamoto Prefecture has called on volunteers to contribute during the upcoming Obon period, urging them to lend their strength to the disaster-stricken areas.