On July 26, the Kumamoto Prefectural government confirmed that a woman in her 70s died, likely from heatstroke, after sleeping in her car since the powerful earthquake that struck on July 21. This is considered the first disaster-related death in the area.
According to local officials, the woman had been living in her car following the earthquake. Temperatures in the region have remained consistently high over recent days, leading to her heatstroke and subsequent death. Authorities are currently investigating the incident.
The earthquake in Kumamoto Prefecture, southwestern Japan, caused significant infrastructure damage and forced many residents to evacuate. Living in inadequate conditions, especially in cars during hot weather, poses a potential health risk, particularly for the elderly.
The Kumamoto prefectural government is urging evacuees to monitor their health, stay hydrated, and seek cool places, while also enhancing support for vulnerable individuals amidst the severe heat.
