Over 6,000 still living in evacuation centers two weeks after Kumamoto quake

Two weeks after a powerful 7.1 magnitude earthquake struck Kumamoto Prefecture, over 6,000 individuals continue to reside in evacuation centers. As of Monday morning, 39 deaths were confirmed, along with 24 serious injuries. The death toll includes one possible heatstroke-related fatality and two others under investigation for potential disaster-related causes.

Heatstroke cases are decreasing, but the region is expected to face temperatures reaching 35 degrees Celsius, raising concerns about heat-related illnesses among evacuees.

Initially, 10,467 people were housed in 415 shelters on July 30, but this number has dwindled to 6,165 across 99 facilities. The Kumamoto government is planning for secondary evacuations to hotels, with 148 facilities ready to accommodate evacuees. Of the 996 applications received, 103 have been approved. Additionally, 21,614 residential buildings suffered damage, with 1,744 destroyed or heavily damaged and 7,876 partially damaged.

Water shortages persist, affecting more than 30,000 homes in Uki, Yatsushiro, and Hikawa. Emergency repairs are anticipated to be finished by the end of the month.

Schools are preparing to reopen after the summer break, and the prefectural government and education ministry will evaluate repair needs for school buildings. Volunteer centers have been established in all 11 municipalities requiring assistance, with 2,451 volunteers involved in relief efforts as of Sunday afternoon. The section of the Kyushu Shinkansen railway between Kumamoto and Shin-Minamata remains closed, and JR Kyushu is expected to announce reopening details within August.