Japan Earthquake: Earthquake causes massive devastation in Kumamoto, Japan, 13 killed, PM Sanae Takaichi calls emergency meeting

Japan Kumamoto Earthquake Sanae Takaichi Emergency Meeting: The situation remains serious after a powerful earthquake of 7.1 magnitude in Kumamoto province of Japan. So far, 13 people have been confirmed dead in this natural disaster, while many people have been injured and incidents of collapse of buildings, fire and damage to roads have been reported at many places. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi chaired the second emergency disaster management meeting to review the situation and directed to further intensify relief and rescue operations.

The government has deployed around 4,600 Self-Defense Force personnel, 2,000 policemen and 1,400 firefighters for rescue operations in the affected areas. People are still trapped under the debris at many places, efforts are on to rescue them safely. About 450 relief camps have been set up for the affected people, where about 7,700 people have been accommodated. The government is busy restoring electricity, water, food, medical and other essential facilities. In view of the scorching heat, the administration has given instructions to make special health-related arrangements in the relief camps and to provide necessary facilities to the people living in vehicles.

Huge devastation caused by earthquake of 7.1 magnitude

According to Japan’s news agency Kyodo News, the weather agency said that an earthquake of 7.1 magnitude struck Kumamoto Prefecture at 4:27 pm local time on Tuesday. Its depth was ten kilometers underground.

Prime Minister expressed grief

Prime Minister Takaichi expressed condolences to those who lost their lives in the earthquake and expressed condolences to their families. He said that the government is rapidly taking stock of the damage. All concerned ministries and government agencies are engaged in initial relief and rescue operations.

Emphasis on restoring electricity and water

He said that the government is trying its best to restore essential services like electricity and water as soon as possible. At the same time, Japan’s Self-Defense Force is working to deliver water and take patients to safe places.

PM called emergency meeting

On Wednesday, Prime Minister Takaichi held the second emergency disaster management meeting regarding the Kumamoto earthquake. Kumamoto Governor Kimura and Cabinet Office Vice Minister Tsushima participated online in this meeting.

The Prime Minister said ‘X’ Posted on

He said ‘X’ Wrote, ‘The number of Self-Defense Force personnel for rescue and relief operations has been increased to approximately 4,600. Apart from this, about 2,000 policemen and 1,400 fire fighters are also continuously engaged in relief and rescue operations.”

He wrote, ‘Relief work is a race against time. ‘ION Mall Kumamoto’ and ‘Nippon Paper Yatsushiro Mill’ People are still stranded at many places and are waiting to be rescued. I have asked all the teams to strengthen their staff and resources to save as many lives as possible.”

450 relief camps were built

The Prime Minister said that about 450 relief camps have been set up, where about 7,700 people are staying. The government is engaged in providing essential things like food, water, bedding, cleaning materials, toilet paper, air conditioners and electricity in these camps.

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Relief operations intensified

He said, ‘I have again asked the officials to properly understand the needs of the affected people and the local administration and ensure better arrangements in the relief camps. Especially in view of the heat, complete arrangements should be made to prevent heat stroke. Besides, a large number of people are living in their vehicles, so I have directed to make available adequate petrol and increase regular monitoring of health workers, so that the ‘economy class syndrome’ caused by sitting in a vehicle for a long time, cannot be avoided. Such health problems can be avoided.”