Power outages, heat prompt evacuees to stay in cars after Japan quake

Residents in Japan's Kumamoto Prefecture are grappling with a dual crisis of aftershocks from a powerful earthquake and extreme heat, compounded by widespread power outages. Following a magnitude 7.1 earthquake on July 28, around 10,000 people were evacuated, and thousands remain in over 400 shelters. However, many shelters could not open due to the loss of power and water, leaving evacuees in difficult conditions.

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It was tough not being able to stretch my legs. I wasn’t sure if I slept or not.

The high temperatures, expected to reach 40 degrees Celsius, are a significant concern, with officials urging caution against heatstroke. This heat is forcing some residents to seek alternative accommodations, including sleeping in their cars. Tetsuo Ishioka, 79, described the discomfort of not being able to stretch his legs, questioning if he slept at all.

While sleeping in cars offers privacy, experts warn of the risks, particularly "economy class syndrome," a condition where blood clots form due to prolonged periods in a seated position. This was a noted health issue following the region's 2016 earthquakes. The city of Kumamoto designated parking lots for residents to sleep in their cars as an alternative to shelters.

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I’m worried about how quickly gasoline is running out.

Another resident, a woman in her 50s, opted for her car to avoid others seeing her take medication for a chronic illness. Despite appreciating the private space, she expressed concern about dwindling gasoline supplies. Meanwhile, Masaharu Tsukada, 69, evacuated with his family, found the shelter too hot and spent the night outside with about 20 other people. Authorities, including Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, are focused on delivering essential supplies and assessing the extensive damage caused by the quake and its numerous aftershocks.

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It was so hot in the shelter, so we spent the night outside.