TOKYO: Survivors of the devastating Japan earthquake in Kumamoto Prefecture are once again rebuilding their lives after a powerful 7.1-magnitude earthquake struck southwestern Japan, killing at least 30 people and leaving thousands without electricity, water, and safe shelter.
The latest disaster has reopened painful memories for residents who endured the catastrophic twin earthquakes that devastated the region in 2016, claiming 273 lives and forcing thousands into temporary housing.
Among them is Sachi Nishiyama, who spent two years living in temporary accommodation after the 2016 disaster. This week, she has once again been forced to sleep in her car after the latest earthquake severely damaged infrastructure across the region.
Just two days after the earthquake struck, temperatures in Kumamoto climbed to around 35°C, while widespread power and water outages affected tens of thousands of homes and businesses.
“I immediately knew the epicentre was nearby,” Nishiyama recalled, describing the terrifying moment the ground began shaking.
Although sleeping in her car provides air conditioning and privacy, she admitted the situation remains physically and emotionally exhausting.
Residents across the region are facing intense heat, limited drinking water, and constant fear as aftershocks continue to shake the area several times every hour.
One of the most significant incidents occurred at the Aeon shopping mall, which had undergone extensive renovations following the 2016 earthquakes to improve its earthquake resistance.
The mall had only recently reopened after another major refurbishment in June. However, about an hour after Tuesday’s earthquake, a suspected gas explosion destroyed much of the complex.
Authorities confirmed that four people were killed in the explosion, which reduced the shopping centre—home to international fashion brands, restaurants, and a cinema—to ruins.
Businessman Fumihiko Matsuura, who had visited the mall just days before the disaster, described his narrow escape.
“I was just here. It’s like I narrowly escaped the danger,” he said.
Residents remain anxious as frequent aftershocks continue to rattle the region.
Matsuura said he has stocked bottled water and emergency supplies but remains fearful that another major earthquake could strike.
Using a traditional Japanese saying, he remarked, “What happens twice will happen three times.”
Another resident, Masao Mitsunaga, described Tuesday’s quake as even more violent than the devastating earthquakes a decade ago.
“I couldn’t stand up. It was definitely bigger than 10 years ago. I thought my house was going to collapse,” he said.
With temperatures expected to reach 38°C over the weekend, many elderly residents have taken refuge in school gymnasiums, community centres, and municipal buildings.
Hundreds of people spent the night sleeping on thin mats inside emergency shelters after their homes became unsafe or lost essential utilities.
One woman sheltering at a community centre said she had initially tried sleeping in her car but eventually moved into the shelter because of the intense heat and mosquitoes.
Others said they appreciated the safety provided by emergency centres, although overcrowded conditions made it difficult to rest.
Despite the availability of public shelters, many survivors have chosen to remain in their vehicles for greater privacy.
Sachi Nishiyama said she preferred staying close to her pet cat, making it difficult to relocate to a communal shelter.
She also travelled nearly an hour round-trip twice in one day simply to collect bottled drinking water from Uki City Hall, highlighting the severe shortages facing residents.
As emergency crews continue recovery operations, thousands of people remain displaced while authorities work to restore electricity, water supplies, and damaged infrastructure across the earthquake-hit region.
The latest Japan earthquake has once again highlighted the country’s vulnerability to powerful seismic disasters and the long-term challenges communities face in recovering from repeated natural catastrophes.
