Japan Earthquake: Water Shortage Hits Over 69,000 Homes and Businesses
Death Toll Rises to 38; Temperatures Exceed 37°C in Some AreasThe death toll from last week’s powerful earthquake in Japan’s southwestern Kumamoto prefecture has risen to 38, while thousands of people remain in relief camps. According to public broadcaster NHK, 36 deaths have been confirmed so far, while investigations continue into two more fatalities to…
Death Toll Rises to 38; Temperatures Exceed 37°C in Some Areas
The death toll from last week’s powerful earthquake in Japan’s southwestern Kumamoto prefecture has risen to 38, while thousands of people remain in relief camps. According to public broadcaster NHK, 36 deaths have been confirmed so far, while investigations continue into two more fatalities to determine whether they are linked to last Tuesday’s earthquake.
More than 9,200 people are currently sheltering in 210 relief camps following the quake, while over 3,400 homes have been damaged. In Kumamoto, drinking water supply has still not been restored to more than 69,000 homes and businesses, while affected medical facilities are gradually resuming normal services.
Officials said around 30 people were taken to hospital on Saturday with heatstroke-like symptoms due to intense heat, with temperatures in some areas exceeding 37 degrees Celsius. Authorities say a complete damage assessment has not yet been made, and the number of affected buildings could rise further as inspections continue.
The prefectural government said search and rescue operations at the Aeon shopping mall — which was affected by an explosion shortly after the earthquake — were completed on Saturday. Seven employees were killed and five others injured in that incident.
