Three days after a magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck Kumamoto Prefecture in southwestern Japan, more than 9,000 people were still taking refuge at evacuation centers as of Friday. Many households in the affected area have yet to have their water and electricity restored.
At evacuation sites, relief teams continue to distribute food, drinking water, and essential supplies to residents. Meanwhile, local authorities are coordinating with related agencies to assess the extent of damage and implement infrastructure recovery measures.
In addition to emergency relief efforts, several businesses in Kumamoto have begun planning to resume operations. Production facilities, factories, and retail outlets are being inspected for safety before reopening, aiming to quickly stabilize the daily lives and economic activities of those in the disaster-stricken region.
Local officials are urging residents to remain vigilant for possible aftershocks and are calling on relevant units to expedite the restoration of critical infrastructure.
