Kumamoto Earthquake Causes Infrastructure Damage and Prompts Calls for Safety Overhaul

A magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck Kumamoto Prefecture on July 28, measuring level 7 on Japan's seismic intensity scale. The quake originated from a southerly section of the Hinagu fault, and seismologists believe some segments of the fault zone remain unruptured, suggesting preparations for another major earthquake are necessary. Damage to buildings was relatively limited, which is attributed to repairs and retrofitting following the 2016 earthquakes in the same region.

Significant damage occurred at several key sites. At the Nippon Paper Industries Co. plant in Yatsushiro, several smokestacks were damaged and one collapsed. Three hospitals, including Kumamotominami Hospital in Uki, suffered major damage that required the transfer of inpatients. Additionally, an explosion believed to be caused by a liquefied petroleum gas leak occurred at the Aeon Mall Kumamoto in Kashima. Some expressway sections were closed due to damaged bridges.

In response to the disaster, singer Chisato Moritaka's office donated 120 million yen to support the reconstruction of the affected areas. Experts have called for the central government to conduct comprehensive inspections of aging factories on soft ground and to review the effectiveness of bridge safety measures to ensure emergency transport routes remain viable.