Medical support in areas affected by the Kumamoto earthquake, harsh heat and on-site challenges

Various medical professionals, including doctors and pharmacists, have gathered from Kyushu and Yamaguchi prefectures to provide support in the areas affected by the Kumamoto earthquake, where many people have been forced to live as evacuees. We asked them about the local situation, challenges, and differences from the Kumamoto earthquake 10 years ago.

"This is the first time I've seen such a harsh situation."

"The moment I stepped into the gym, I started sweating." The temperature felt like over 35 degrees Celsius, and many people were reportedly outdoors.

On July 28th, an earthquake with a maximum seismic intensity of 7 struck Kumamoto. Dr. Takuya Izumikawa (53), director of Izumikawa Hospital in Minamishimabara City, Nagasaki Prefecture, took a ferry to an evacuation center in Uki City, Kumamoto Prefecture, where 200 houses were completely destroyed.

A team of about 10 nurses and technicians treated victims at evacuation centers in the city until the 31st, and also provided triage support at Aeon Mall Kumamoto (Kashima Town), where seven people died.

Dr. Izumikawa also rushed to the affected areas as a volunteer for the 2016 Kumamoto earthquake and the 2024 Noto Peninsula earthquake. However, he says, ``This was my first time experiencing such a harsh situation.''

The reason is the heat. Immediately afterward, several evacuees were found to be dehydrated and were treated.

Even though I'm dizzy, I think it's the shaking from aftershocks.

Fortunately, the evacuation center they visited had drinking water, and the evacuation center's cooler was operational the next day.

But when the sun rises, I clean up the house...