Dozens of elderly hospitalized with heatstroke after Kumamoto earthquake causes nursing home power outage

More than 20 elderly residents at a nursing home in Kumamoto, Japan, required emergency hospitalization for heatstroke following a powerful magnitude 7.1 earthquake that struck the region on July 28.

The earthquake caused a widespread power outage, leaving the nursing home without electricity and running water. The loss of air conditioning in the sweltering heat led to a collective heatstroke crisis among the approximately 80 residents. Staff members described seeing residents with flushed faces and rapid breathing.

With air conditioning out and no access to cool water, caregivers resorted to fanning residents with large pieces of cardboard in an attempt to alleviate their symptoms. The facility has also been unable to restore hot water supply, preventing residents from bathing.

The incident highlights the vulnerability of essential services, particularly for the elderly, in the aftermath of natural disasters. The ongoing lack of gas supply further complicates the situation for the affected residents.

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We saw the residents' faces turn red and their breathing become rapid. The power was out, and there was no water from the taps, so we couldn't cool them down with cold water. All we could do was fan them constantly with large pieces of cardboard, hoping to relieve the heat.