Updated: 22 April 2016
KUMAMOTO, a prefecture in the southern Japanese island of Kyushu, was rocked by a 6.2-magnitude earthquake during the evening of 14 April 2016. Local media reports indicate that nine people lost their lives in the event with more than 860 hurt, including 53 with serious injuries. Almost 44,500 people were evacuated from their homes overnight. A second, larger quake, occurred on 15 April 2016.
Salvationists in Japan – and worldwide – are praying for everyone affected by the disaster.
More than 20 homes have been destroyed in the town of Mashiki, close to the epicentre of the quake. Roads have been damaged and electricity and gas supplies interrupted, but The Salvation Army is finding ways to collect detailed information in the affected communities which will inform the church and charity’s emergency response.
A Salvation Army emergency canteen vehicle has been despatched to the area from Tokyo, and is serving hot and cold drinks and meals of ramen noodles and fried rice to people who have been evacuated from their damaged homes.
The well-known Salvation Army red kettles which are traditionally deployed to collect donations in the Christmas season have been set up on street corners in Tokyo and other cities across Japan to enable people to support the emergency appeal.
Report by IHQ Communications
International Headquarters
