04
Aug 2026

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Kumamoto Earthquake: PBV Continues Emergency Relief and Needs Assessments

Following the powerful earthquake that struck Kumamoto Prefecture on July 28, 2026, Peace Boat Disaster Relief (PBV) has continued its emergency response across the affected region, working closely with local governments, Social Welfare Councils, partner organizations, and community members to identify urgent needs and deliver appropriate support. In the first days after the disaster, PBV staff conducted field assessments in Kashima Town, Uki City, Yatsushiro City, and other affected areas while coordinating with local authorities and disaster response organizations. Although official information continues to emerge, visiting communities directly has remained essential to understanding the full extent of the damage and identifying people whose needs may not yet be reflected in […]

14
Apr 2026

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10 Years After the Kumamoto Earthquake: Transforming Lessons Learned into a Lifeline for the Future

April 14, 2026, marks the 10th anniversary of the 2016 Kumamoto Earthquake. Ten years ago, at 9:26 PM on April 14, a magnitude 6.5 earthquake (foreshock) with a maximum intensity of 7 struck near Mashiki Town, Kumamoto Prefecture. Just two days later, in the early hours of April 16, a magnitude 7.3 mainshock—also measuring intensity 7—hit the same region again. These unprecedented double shocks left 190,000 houses damaged and forced 200,000 people to flee their homes. The most sobering reality remains the number of “disaster-related deaths.” As of April 11, 2025, 225 individuals have passed away due to the worsening of living conditions—far exceeding the 50 direct deaths caused by […]