Two Weeks After the Kumamoto Earthquake: PBV Continues Emergency Relief Efforts
More than two weeks have passed since a powerful earthquake struck Kumamoto Prefecture on July 28, 2026. The earthquake occurred at approximately 4:27 p.m., with a magnitude of 7.1 and a maximum seismic intensity of 7 recorded in Uki City and Hikawa Town.
While emergency response efforts continue, many communities across the affected areas are still facing significant challenges, including disruptions to essential services and damage to homes.
According to the latest information compiled on the Kumamoto Earthquake information portal, as of August 13, approximately 28,400 households remain without water. A total of 28,203 residential buildings have been reported affected, including 1,274 buildings classified as large-scale or partially destroyed, while the damage classification of 16,276 buildings remains undetermined.
In Yatsushiro City, approximately 763 households remain without urban gas supply as of August 13. Across the affected areas, 59 water-supply locations and 251 evacuation shelters are currently listed.
Since the earthquake, Peace Boat Disaster Relief (PBV) has been working on the ground in coordination with local governments, Social Welfare Councils, and other support organizations to assess the situation and provide assistance based on the needs of affected communities.
Over the past 10 days, PBV has provided more than 2,300 hot meals, serving approximately 200 meals per day to people affected by the disaster. The project has been supported by various organizations, including an Ehime-based NGO, Uwajima Grandma.
PBV has also distributed more than two tons of bottled drinking water to communities where access to safe water remains limited. With water outages continuing in many areas, ensuring access to safe drinking water remains an important part of the ongoing emergency response.
In addition to food and water distribution, PBV’s activities have included efforts to improve the environment of evacuation shelters, assess damage to affected homes, and coordinate with organizations involved in disaster relief.
Through these activities, PBV continues to identify areas where support is most urgently needed and work with local partners to ensure that assistance reaches affected communities effectively and in a coordinated manner.
For many affected residents, the challenges do not end once the immediate emergency has passed. Damage to homes, disruptions to essential services, and prolonged stays in evacuation shelters can make it difficult for people to return to their everyday lives.
As conditions change, the needs of affected communities are also evolving. Support is needed not only for immediate necessities such as food and drinking water, but also for creating safe and comfortable living environments and helping residents begin the process of recovery.
PBV will continue working closely with local communities, Social Welfare Councils, local governments, and partner organizations to understand these changing needs and provide practical assistance throughout the recovery process.
We sincerely appreciate the warm support and encouragement we have received from people in Japan and around the world. Your support enables PBV to continue delivering practical assistance to communities affected by the Kumamoto earthquake.
Please DONATE and support PBV’s emergency relief efforts in Kumamoto.