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 and domestic donations are being received to assist affected communities. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and JRCS welcome contribution from Red Cross Red Crescent national societies and other partners in the spirit of solidarity after the devastating earthquakes.
The situation
14 April 2016: A 6.5 magnitude earthquake struck Kumamoto Prefecture, Kyushu Island, Japan at 21:26 local time, resulting in at least nine people dead and 800 injured. More than 120,000 people evacuated. Japanese Red Cross Society (JRCS) immediately activated its emergency response in support of the authorities.
16 April: Another quake (7.3 magnitudes) hit in the same area at 01:25 local time. Early assessment reported 42 people dead and thousands injured and 9 missing as a result of the second quake, with dozens trapped in the rubble of collapsed buildings. Some 953 evacuation centres activated, of which 723 are in Kumamoto). An Information bulletin was issued.
17 April: Gas, electricity and water supply to thousands of houses in Kumamoto City have been cut off. No damage was found at the 4 nuclear plants that are in the affected area. 18 April: An aftershock of 5.8 magnitudes struck at 08:41 pm local time.
19 April: Kumamoto Airport has been operational. Shinkansen Rail bullet trains have been suspended.
20 April: The IFRC and JRCS welcome international contribution to its humanitarian assistance for the people affected by the earthquakes. The situation continues to be uncertain with continuing strong quakes and aftershocks, storm and landslides, further damages have been reported around the evacuation centres. Some evacuees who sought shelter in these evacuation centres have been moved to other safe shelters. JRCS is monitoring the situation closely in coordination with the government and local authorities to ensure humanitarian assistance is provided timely and effectively.
Actions by the authorities and other agencies
Rescue workers, including police, firefighters, voluntary fire brigades, 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.