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July 2026 Kumamoto Earthquake: Emergency Assistance
To Prevent Disaster-Related Deaths

On July 28, 2026, an earthquake struck the Kumamoto Prefecture, with seismic intensity of 7 recorded in Uki City and Hikawa Town. According to the prefectural government, 39 deaths had been confirmed and more than 32,000 homes were damaged by August 18. Some areas are still without running water, and amid the extreme heat, preventing disaster-related deaths has become an urgent priority.

Civic Force began providing emergency relief activities the day after the disaster. Focusing particularly on the hardest-hit areas, including Hikawa Town, Yatsushiro City, and Uki City, we have been improving conditions at evacuation centers, supporting their operation, and distributing supplies in cooperation with companies. We have also begun field surveys in preparation to launch NPO Partner Projects, which aim to support the recovery and reconstruction of affected communities mid- to long-term.

In this issue, we report on our activities implemented over the 10 days immediately following the disaster.

translated by YWCA ILV