Key Points
- Water pipes forced through concrete walkways on National Route 3 due to seismic activity.
- Road surfaces are cracked and uneven, forcing vehicles to slow down and creating hazardous driving conditions.
- Widespread power outages have disabled traffic signals, leading to dangerous confusion at intersections.
- Rising temperatures, combined with ongoing water and power outages and poor cellular reception, are complicating recovery efforts.
Full Transcript (English)
Tomoyuki Mishima: It is currently 11:45 AM. I have arrived in Yatsushiro City. Looking behind me at the scene here, you can see what appear to be water pipes. Due to the impact of the earthquake, these pipes have pushed upward, completely lifting the concrete slabs. This walkway is now entirely impassable.
Looking at the road, traffic is heavy, and there are cracks and uneven sections in the ground here and there. Cars are slowing down as they pass through, making for a very dangerous situation.
I have been traveling through this area by car to continue my reporting, and the most dangerous thing I have encountered is the lack of traffic signals. Likely due to power outages, signals are out at various intersections. Without signals, cars are hesitating at intersections, unsure of who has the right of way, or failing to notice vehicles approaching from the side. I have felt the danger myself several times on my way here.
Furthermore, as we reach midday, the temperature is rising. I am staying hydrated while moving through the field, but I hear that some areas are still experiencing power and water outages. Additionally, cellular signals have been unreliable in many places I’ve visited. We must remain cautious about the lack of information and the risk of heatstroke. I will continue my report from the scene.
