Key Points
- Reporter Tomoyuki Mishima visits Kosa Town, Kumamoto, to document the impact of a recent earthquake.
- Visible damage includes fallen roof tiles and debris scattered across residential streets.
- Local residents recount harrowing experiences, including a child trapped in a kitchen and concerns over an explosion at a nearby mall.
- While utilities have been restored in parts of Kosa, some areas still lack electricity and water.
Full Transcript (English)
Reporter (Tomoyuki Mishima): It is currently 9:20 AM, and I have arrived in Kosa Town, Kumamoto Prefecture.
Behind me, as you can see, there are several spots where roof tiles have collapsed and scattered due to the impact of the earthquake. I spoke with some of the local residents earlier.
The owner of a local cafe told me that their child was on the second floor of their home, specifically in the kitchen, when the earthquake struck. Items in the kitchen began falling one after another, but the child managed to crawl into a gap to stay safe. Once the shaking subsided, the child burst into tears.
Another person I spoke with mentioned that their son was at the Aeon mall where an explosion occurred following the earthquake. They said they were extremely anxious and immediately tried to confirm his safety.
Fortunately, in this particular area, electricity and water services seem to have been restored for now. However, residents mentioned that there are still locations where the power and water remain cut off. I will now be heading toward Yatsushiro.
