This bulletin is being issued for information only and reflects the current situation. The Japanese Red Cross Society (JRCS) has mobilized its staff and resources nation-wide to assist affected communities. International assistance is not being sought.
The situation
Two major earthquakes that have struck the Kyushu island of Japan – within a span of two days – have left at least 32 people dead, more than 2,000 injured and dozens missing. The first earthquake, of magnitude 6.5, struck on Thursday, 14 April 21:26 local time, resulting in at least nine people dead and 800 injured. According to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA), the epicentre of the quake was in the Kumamoto Prefecture with a depth of 11 kilometres.
Japanese Red Cross Society (JRCS) immediately activated its emergency response in support of the authorities. Two days into the rescue and emergency relief efforts, a 7.3 magnitude earthquake with a depth of 10 kilometres struck in the same area early Saturday, 16 April 01:25 local time. As of 16 April 17:00 local time, Early assessment reported 32 people dead and hundreds injured as a result of the second quake, with dozens trapped in the rubble of collapsed buildings.
Initial updates from the authorities show that the earthquakes have damaged roads, caused landslides and disrupted power supply, leaving more than 100,000 households without gas or electricity. More than 69,000 people have been safely evacuated from their homes after a dam was damaged as a result of the quake. Thousands more have chosen to stay out in open spaces for fear of aftershocks, while some seeking shelter in evacuation centres. The forecast rain in the coming days could further affect people who are staying out in the open as well as set off mudslides.
Action by the authorities
Rescue workers, including police and firefighters, are undertaking emergency operations, with some having been active since the first earthquake. The Japan’s Self-Defence Forces also deployed its resources to the most affected areas to bolster the response.