Takaichi Tours Quake-Hit Kumamoto as 46,000 Households Still Lack Water in 40C Heat
Updated
Updated · The Guardian · Aug 4
Takaichi Tours Quake-Hit Kumamoto as 46,000 Households Still Lack Water in 40C Heat
3 articles · Updated · The Guardian · Aug 4
Summary
More than 46,000 households in Kumamoto still had no water on Monday, with fuel shortages and temperatures reaching 40C slowing recovery nearly a week after the magnitude 7.1 quake.
Thirty-eight people have died, including one apparent heatstroke victim sheltering in a car, while more than 8,500 evacuees remain in crowded schools and community centers, many without airconditioning.
Sanae Takaichi flew over damaged areas, visited a well-equipped shelter and promised to quickly consider more aid after Governor Takashi Kimura pressed for clean water, medical care and better evacuation conditions.
That shelter visit drew social media criticism for showing better conditions than many evacuees face, even as temporary housing construction began in Uki and Hikawa and hotels opened rooms to displaced residents.
Separately, Habita acknowledged it told two employees to return to the collapsed Aeon mall to secure cash before they were killed in a gas-leak explosion that left 12 dead.