Support for Kumamoto Earthquake: A Critical Moment to Stop Disaster-related Deaths

In the wake of the recent Kumamoto earthquake, residents continue to grapple with the challenges of living as evacuees. The area has seen significant damage, with over 17,000 residential buildings destroyed, and more than 6,000 disaster victims residing in evacuation centers. Many others are still sleeping in their cars or remaining in their homes.

The aftermath of the 2016 Kumamoto Earthquake saw over 220 disaster-related deaths, a number that was four times higher than those directly caused by collapsed buildings. Most of these fatalities were elderly individuals with chronic diseases, whose health rapidly deteriorated due to repeated aftershocks and the stress of prolonged evacuation.

The most critical phase of disaster-related deaths often occurs within the first three months following the quakes. A similar pattern was observed in the 2024 Noto Peninsula Earthquake, where nearly 70% of disaster-related deaths happened within the initial three months. The recent Kumamoto earthquake is entering this critical phase, with the intense heat and lack of sleep due to aftershocks exacerbating fatigue and stress levels among the affected population.

To mitigate the risk of further fatalities, a secondary evacuation to hotels or ryokan Japanese-style inns has commenced, with public funds covering accommodation costs. Over 200 lodging facilities across Kumamoto Prefecture and beyond have signed up to provide this service. However, many individuals still prefer to stay in nearby evacuation centers due to work obligations, medical appointments, or the desire to clean up their homes.

Even when alternative lodging is suggested, a significant portion of evacuees decline, citing the distance from home as a deterrent.

The central government and local authorities in Kumamoto Prefecture must create a safe living environment for evacuees, respecting their circumstances and preferences. It is also vital to continuously supply relief resources to the disaster-stricken regions without delay. The central government has adopted a "push-mode" support system, delivering food, blankets, infant formula, and other essentials without waiting for requests from affected areas.

However, there are staffing shortages in transporting these supplies to evacuation centers, leading to a backlog at distribution hubs.

Efforts to ensure the timely delivery of relief supplies are crucial to prevent disaster-related deaths. The focus should be on deploying support staff and volunteers efficiently, along with personnel skilled in logistics to swiftly resolve the "last mile" challenges that have plagued previous earthquakes.