#PrayForKumamoto: Magnitude 7.3 quake damages Southern Japan

MAGNITUDE 7.3. A more powerful quake struck Kumamoto once again as several houses and buildings were left destroyed, leaving thousands of people homeless. (Photo via japantimes.co.jp)

 

A total of 32 people were killed and 1,000 injured were reported as a magnitude 7.3 earthquake struck Kumamoto City in Southern Japan, which was just recently struck by a 6.2 quake just two days before according to latest reports.

Buildings and other infrastructures collapsed in the town of Mashiki as the quake hit the town at 1:25 am, making it more powerful than the recent quake that hit the same region, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency.

According to reports, a number of people were buried alive as buildings and infrastructures toppled down because of the strong quake. More than 90,000 residents were forced to evacuate the place, including those who live beside dangerous infrastructures such as dams which might collapse. Residents were asked to evacuate to Mashiki Health and Welfare Center which is the biggest evacuation center in town.

Due to the devastating event, authorities warned of possible further damages such as the heavy rain forecast and landslide, which could weaken the infrastructures more.

With this quake being stronger than the recent 6.2 quake that happened a few days ago, the agency said that this magnitude 7.0 earthquake is believed to be the ‘main’ one and the former quakes are now considered ‘foreshocks.’

On the other hand, Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Japan’s government have started the deployment of defense forces for rescue operations, and have already mobilized resources regarding the tragedy. Abe immediately setup emergency headquarters in Tokyo and instructed authorities to gather more information.

This earthquake is the “first intensity-7 quake that hit since the Great East Japan Earthquake in March 2011, according to Japan Weather Agency.”

 

For those who are willing to help, check these charitable websites where you can donate:

http://peacewindsamerica.org/japan-earthquake-and-tsunami/ (Peace Winds America)
https://coincheck.jp/donations/12 (Kumamoto Japan Earthquake Bitcoin Relief Fund)
https://www.ammado.com/community/175355/donate (Ammado Kumamoto Earthquake Relief)
http://www.nippon-foundation.or.jp/donation/kmeq/main/ (Nippon Foundation)
https://www.globalgiving.org/projects/kumamoto-japan-earthquake-relief-fund/ (Global Giving Foundation)

 

Source: japantimes.co.jp; edition.cnn.com