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Kumamoto Earthquake in one month: over 10,000 people are in shelters

Kumamoto Castle with "Do not Enter" sign.(May 1, 2016, Cultural News Photo)


Kumamoto Earthquake photos by Cultural News

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Advisory from Japan Meteorological Agency as of May 15, 2016
 
Seismic activity in the Kumamoto prefecture and Oita prefecture areas in Kyushu is still ongoing. There is concern about buildings and houses collapsing, and landslides may occur.
 
Remain aware of your surroundings and exercise caution regarding earthquakes as well as rainy weather, as the combination can be hazardous.
 
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One month after the Kumamoto Earthquake on April 14, more than 10,000 people are living in shelters. More than 55,000 houses are totally and partially destroyed in Kumamoto prefecture. Japan's rainy seasons soon would be getting worse the situations.
 
Beside totally and partially destroyed houses, near 14,000 houses are declared as "Unsafe" buildings to enter. This is a record of the Japan's disasters.
 
Numbers of Unsafe houses after the disaster
2016, Kumamoto prefecture: 13,830 as of May 3
2011, Great Eastern Japan Disaster: 11,699
1995, Kobe Earthquake: 6,476
 
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Cultural News editor and publisher Shige Higashi visited Kumamoto area including Kumamoto city, Mashiki town, Mifune town, and Aso area from April 29 through May 3. Higashi witnessed more than 100 municipalities all over Japan sent their staff, water tank cars, garbage collection trucks to Kumamoto area to fill the need of water supplies and urban life.
 
With the relief efforts of Japan's National Guard (as known as Self Defense Forces) and municipalities, life lines in Kumamoto area came back and most convenience stores and supermarkets reopened.

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The Nanka Kumamoto Kenjinkai (Kumamoto Prefecture Association of Southern California) is accepting donations of checks and cash to send to the Kumamoto Prefectural Government.
 
Payable to: Nanka Kumamoto Kenjinkai
Send to: Mr. Yoshikuni Okita, President of Nanka Kumamoto Kenjinkai, 10135 South Poseidon Ave, Cerritos, CA 90701
 
For inquiries, call (562) 924-4236, (562) 522-1510, email [email protected]
 
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The Consulate General of Japan in Los Angeles is accepting monetary donations by check.
 
Payable: Consulate General of Japan
Remark: Kumamoto Earthquake Aid
Send to: Consulate General of Japan, 350 South Grand Ave, Suite 1700, Los Angeles, CA 90071, attention: Kumamoto Earthquake Aid

All monetary donations will be sent directly to the Japanese Red Cross Society. If you prefer to have your donation sent to the Japanese government instead, please write "To Japanese Government" on the check memo line.
 
Please be advised that donations will not be considerable as tax deductible by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service. Donations are being accepted from both individuals and organizations.
 
Persons desiring a receipt should write their request on a blank piece of paper.
 
There is no special form. Please include your name or organization's name, email and mailing address. Send it together with the check.

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