Key Points
- Journalist Jun Hori reports from Kumamoto Prefecture following a major earthquake, documenting the transition from calm areas to those heavily impacted near the epicenter.
- Yatsushiro City and Hikawa-cho face significant infrastructure failures, with residents reporting total loss of electricity, gas, and water services.
- Public facilities, including roadside stations, have been forced to close restrooms due to widespread water outages.
- Local farmers are queuing for hours at gas stations to obtain fuel for emergency generators, which are essential for pumping well water for both domestic use and crops during the summer heat.
Full Transcript (English)
Host (Jun Hori): We have entered Kumamoto Prefecture from Kagoshima. We are currently in Hitoyoshi City, crossing the Hitoyoshi Bridge over the Kuma River. Hitoyoshi City seems relatively calm, and we haven’t seen any major damage on the route we’ve taken so far.
Host: We are heading north through Itsuki Village. There are fallen rocks on the road here. While there is no major impact on the road itself, the effects of the earthquake are becoming more visible as we get closer to the epicenter.
Host: How was the situation during the earthquake yesterday?
Guest (Driver 1): I was at the factory. It was a huge shake.
Host: What kind of shaking was it?
Guest (Driver 1): It felt like it was jolting upward. It was more of a vertical shake than a horizontal one.
Host: Another earthquake has hit Kumamoto. I covered the one ten years ago as well. To think it has happened again…
Guest (Driver 1): Yes. Last night was really scary. It just kept shaking.
Host: Let’s all support each other. Please stay safe while you work.
Guest (Driver 1): Thank you.
Host: We have entered Yatsushiro City. We are at the “Toyo” roadside station. There is a notice posted stating that the toilets cannot be used due to a water outage. It says: “Water is not running. Please do not use. We appreciate your cooperation.” Even the roadside station facilities are out of service.
Host: We are in Toyo-cho, Yatsushiro City. Behind me, there is a very long line of cars waiting for gas. I spoke with a driver earlier; he is a farmer from Hikawa-cho, Ono, located just over the mountain.
Guest (Farmer): Right now, my house is a complete mess.
Host: Where are you from?
Guest (Farmer): Hikawa-cho, just behind the mountain here. We experienced a seismic intensity of 7. It was very difficult. Electricity, gas, and water are all cut off.
Host: And you are here for gasoline now?
Guest (Farmer): Yes, gasoline for a generator. My car has fuel, but I need gas for the generator so I can pump well water.
Host: How long have you been waiting in line?
Guest (Farmer): About 40 minutes so far. I need to pump that well water. We used to have hand pumps, but we rely on electricity now.
Host: Is the water just for your home, or for the neighborhood?
Guest (Farmer): I am calling out to the neighbors so that everyone can use the well water.
Host: What was the shaking like?
Guest (Farmer): It was vertical, then horizontal. It felt similar to the earthquake ten years ago. The aftershocks are still very intense.
Host: I was here ten years ago too. To think you finally recovered and then this happens…
Guest (Farmer): It feels worse this time. There are cracks in my house now.
Host: What do you need most right now?
Guest (Farmer): Water and electricity. Please, we need electricity restored. That is the biggest priority. It is so hot, and we have no air conditioning. I am using this small portable fan I got at “Agriculture Week” to cope.
Host: What crops do you grow?
Guest (Farmer): Chili peppers and other summer vegetables. Water is vital during this season, so I am struggling.
Host: Thank you for speaking with us.
Host: How is the situation at your home?
Guest (Driver 2): My house is okay.
Host: What is the biggest shortage right now?
Guest (Driver 2): Fuel, I think. Everyone is heading to the gas stations.
Host: How was the earthquake for you?
Guest (Driver 2): I can’t even put it into words. It was something else.
