PM Takaichi to inspect Kumamoto after earthquake

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi will inspect Kumamoto Prefecture in southwestern Japan on Monday after a magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck the region on Tuesday (28/7). PM Takaichi will assess various challenges and the aspirations of local residents, including efforts to manage evacuation site conditions and accelerate infrastructure recovery, which will serve as a reference in determining aid measures from the Japanese government. Officials stated Takaichi will survey the affected locations by helicopter and directly check conditions at evacuation centres. The earthquake, which occurred on Tuesday (28/7) at 4.27 p.m. local time, registered a maximum seismic intensity of 7 in the Uki and Hikawa areas. Discussions are taking place amid growing concerns over the risk of heat stroke and disaster-related deaths at evacuation sites due to the extreme hot weather. The Japanese government under Takaichi’s leadership is also promoting secondary evacuation schemes to accommodation facilities and strengthening support for residents forced to sleep in cars or remain in their homes after the quake.