Surgery room shaken by earthquake; medical staff shield patient with bodies

During a powerful magnitude 7.1 earthquake that struck Kumamoto, Japan, on June 28, medical professionals at a hospital shielded a patient undergoing surgery with their own bodies. NHK broadcasted footage from a surgical room at Kumamoto General Hospital in Yatsushiro City, showing the dramatic moments.

The video captures the operating room shaking violently, with medical equipment on the floor and lights on the ceiling swaying precariously. As the earthquake hit, doctors standing on either side of the operating table immediately covered the patient to protect them. Nurses moved to secure the exit routes by opening the doors.

NHK reported that four surgeries were in progress at the time of the earthquake, and all were completed without incident. The hospital had to temporarily suspend regular outpatient services due to a disruption in the water supply, which affected some medical equipment. However, normal operations resumed on June 5 after it was confirmed that the emergency well water was safe for use.

Dr. Shinya Shimada, the director of Kumamoto General Hospital, praised the medical team's swift and appropriate actions in protecting the patient. He expressed the hospital's commitment to fulfilling its mission as a comprehensive medical institution. The earthquake caused significant tremors, with Yatsushiro City experiencing intensity 6-strong shaking, strong enough to make standing difficult. Tragically, the earthquake resulted in 38 deaths nationwide, with over 20 fatalities reported in Yatsushiro City alone.

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The medical staff made appropriate judgments and did their best to protect the patient. We want to continue to fulfill our mission as a general hospital.