Three weeks after the Kumamoto earthquake, 39 people are known to have died, more than 3,000 people have evacuated, and Yatsushiro Port has been partially reopened

(Central News Agency, Tokyo, comprehensive foreign news report on the 18th) It has been three weeks since the strong earthquake in Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan, at the end of last month. Currently, 39 people are known to have been killed in Kumamoto Prefecture, and more than 3,000 people there are still taking refuge. Yatsushiro Port, Kumamoto's largest trading port, has reopened to large ships after partial repairs.

The Japan Broadcasting Corporation (NHK) reported that this strong earthquake with a magnitude of 7.1 occurred on July 28, when the maximum magnitude 7 was observed. The county government stated that as of 2 p.m. on August 17, 39 people had died, including cases yet to be confirmed, and a total of 31,951 residences were damaged.

Kumamoto Prefecture Governor Kei Kimura visited the Prime Minister's Office this morning and expressed his views on the Kumamoto earthquake to Sanae Hidaka City, requesting financial and other support from the central government. Gao Shi said that he would carefully respond to local requirements and quickly compile a support plan.

In addition to the 3,053 people currently taking refuge in 70 shelters in the county, many victims continue to live in damaged homes or cars. Since it is difficult for officials to keep track of victims outside shelters, some are concerned that failure to provide necessary support may lead to worsening health conditions for victims.

In addition, the disaster-stricken areas have experienced high temperatures above 30 degrees for several days. How to prevent "disaster-related deaths" caused by the increased pressure of evacuation life and the deterioration of the body has become an issue in the disaster-stricken areas.

Yatsushiro Port in Kumamoto Prefecture is a trading hub for exporting timber and importing paint, chemicals and other commodities. Because of this strong earthquake, Yatsushiro Port's embankment cracked and the soil at the port liquefied, causing gaps and cracks. Therefore, cargo ships could not be opened to dock after the strong earthquake.

However, after an investigation by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism of the Japanese government, the safety of some embankments was confirmed and the port was announced to reopen for large cargo ships. The embankment for loading and unloading containers still needs to be repaired, and the restart time has not yet been confirmed.

"After the earthquake, Yatsushiro Port's logistics came to a halt. This port supports the regional economy and industry, and this restart is of great significance," said Tetsushi Sato, director of the Kumamoto Port and Airport Development Office of the Ministry of International Trade and Industry.