Kumamoto Earthquake Video: Japan PM updates; learn about mall explosions, injuries, power outages, train suspensions
Level 7.1 earthquake The storm hit Kumamoto Prefecture in southern Japan on Tuesday, knocking out power to thousands of homes, damaging roads, trapping some people in partially collapsed shopping malls and fearing others dead.
Japan is one of the most earthquake-prone countries in the world, with about 1,500 earthquake events occurring every year.
Kumamoto Earthquake: Japan’s Prime Minister provides latest update
During a press conference in her Tokyo office, Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae said officials were still assessing the overall scope of damage in the region, which was hit by a catastrophic earthquake a decade ago.
“We have been informed of injuries. Power outages and fires occurred in some areas. Roads and bridges were also damaged and buildings collapsed,” Takaichi said, according to Reuters.
“I ask everyone to take action to protect themselves, including evacuating to a safe location.”
Also read: Japan earthquake triggers explosion in shopping mall, many people trapped or killed
Kumamoto Earthquake: More than 50 injuries have been reported, 3,600 soldiers will be dispatched
About 300,000 people have been directed to evacuation centers, according to the disaster management agency. Gao City also announced that as aftershocks continue, 3,600 soldiers will be dispatched to assist in post-disaster recovery efforts.
One hospital reported more than 50 injuries, public broadcaster NHK reported. According to media reports, several people on the high-speed train were also injured during the earthquake.
Several people were trapped inside the Aeon (8267.T) shopping mall after an explosion occurred after the earthquake, according to the fire department. Police said a “considerable” number of people were expected to die as a result of the incident, broadcaster TBS reported.
Aeon spokesperson said this:
An Aeon representative said customers and employees were evacuated immediately after the initial quake, and the exact cause of the subsequent explosion remains unclear.
Train services have been stopped and power has been cut to thousands of residents.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru and the International Atomic Energy Agency’s reaction
Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara announced that emergency personnel have been dispatched, including Japanese Self-Defense Forces, Fire Brigades and Coast Guard.
“We urge residents in areas particularly severely affected by the earthquake to pay close attention to the evacuation information issued by the local government through radio, television and the Internet and respond calmly,” he said.
The IAEA said on
“The International Atomic Energy Agency will continue to monitor the situation,” it said.
