No.176 Support for the 2026 Kumamoto Earthquake

I would like to once again extend my sympathies to everyone affected by the 2026 Kumamoto Earthquake, and offer my heartfelt condolences to those who lost their lives in this disaster.

In April 2016, exactly 10 years after an unprecedented major earthquake occurred that recorded two seismic intensities within just two days, reconstruction had progressed and the memory of the Kumamoto earthquake had somewhat faded, but once again, significant damage was sustained.

This earthquake occurred at 4:27 p.m. on July 28, with its epicenter in the Kumamoto region, registering a magnitude of 7.1 and a maximum seismic intensity of 7 (in Uki City and Hikawa Town). As of the 28th, a total of four earthquakes with a maximum seismic intensity of 5 or higher had occurred. It is estimated to be caused by the Hinagu Fault Zone and Futagawa Fault Zone in the Kumamoto region, and there is a possibility that there was a "remaining crack" on the southern and western sides of the fault from 10 years ago.

　Mayor Onishi of Kumamoto City serves as Chairperson of the National Mayors Association Special Committee on Disaster Prevention Measures, and I serve as Vice Chairperson. Due to this relationship, we began support immediately after the disaster through the Disaster Prevention Division, sharing information directly with Kumamoto City and Mayor Onishi via SNS.

　On the 29th, we decided to transport relief supplies to the disaster area, loaded them onto a arranged 20-ton truck, and departed Tokyo the following day. We are grateful for the cooperation of Sagawa Express, with whom we have a mutual aid agreement for disasters.

In this first shipment, we delivered drinking water addressed to Uki City, drinking water and diapers addressed to Uto City, and drinking water, freeze-dried rice, and sanitary product sets addressed to Hikawa Town.

　Also, in the second shipment on August 4, we sent drinking water, blue tarps, freeze-dried rice, and a set of portable toilets, tents, and disposal kits addressed to Kumamoto City, and in the third shipment on the 5th, we delivered paper diapers, surgical masks, as well as a water-recirculating shower and a water-recirculating handwashing stand addressed to Kumamoto City.

This water-recirculating shower and handwashing stand are equipment introduced for the first time this fiscal year in Inagi City. Since the water in the built-in tank is filtered and can be reused repeatedly, it is an excellent device that can maintain hygiene in disaster-affected areas where water supply has been cut off and evacuees are forced to live in extreme heat.

 

By the way, just before this earthquake occurred, we happened to have an opportunity to visit Kumamoto on a business trip. From July 9 to 10, as an administrative inspection by the Inagi-Fuchu Cemetery Union, we visited Kumamoto City-operated cemeteries and others. We were taught how they dealt with cemeteries during the large-scale disaster 10 years ago, and whether there were any preventive measures that could be taken in advance. We also passed over the new Aso Bridge next to the collapsed one, and visited the Kumamoto Earthquake Disaster Museum, established on the former Tokai University campus relocated after the disaster, as well as the current state of Kumamoto Castle’s reconstruction.

　Amid numerous reconstruction projects underway, large-scale efforts such as the collapse of stone walls and the restoration of gravestones in private cemeteries inevitably take time. However, recovery has progressed to the point where normal life is not hindered, and it is truly regrettable that the museum, which had just begun to become a legacy of the earthquake from 10 years ago, was struck by another disaster once again.

It is said that disasters come when you least expect them, but recently, large-scale disasters have been occurring almost every year. In our town of Inagi City as well, we never know when a disaster might strike. Let us continually work on strengthening our disaster prevention capabilities and, through the establishment of self-help, mutual aid, and public assistance, strive daily to build a city resilient to disasters.