Earthquake Scams Hit Japan

A recent earthquake in Kumamoto, Japan has led to a surge in crime and scams, exacerbating the suffering of residents who are already dealing with the aftermath of the disaster. The earthquake, which had a magnitude of 7.1 and registered up to 7 on Japan's seismic intensity scale, left thousands of people homeless and killed at least 38 people in late July.

The prefecture is also experiencing extreme heat, with daytime temperatures expected to reach up to 35 degrees Celsius, leading to health issues for residents. The number of people taken to hospital for heatstroke is falling, but the heat remains a concern for those affected by the earthquake.

The government is providing aid and support to affected residents, including up to ¥3 million in housing construction and repair aid for families whose homes were destroyed or partially damaged. Around 7,000 people are currently in 130 evacuation shelters and temporary housing across the Kumamoto region, and the Kumamoto government is making preparations for evacuees to move to hotels.

The tourism industry in Kumamoto has suffered significant losses, amounting to roughly ¥6 billion, as a result of the earthquake. The disaster has also led to suspicious activity around damaged homes and evacuation shelters, prompting police forces to send hundreds of officers to patrol affected areas.

## Why it matters The situation in Kumamoto is a stark reminder of the devastating impact of natural disasters on communities. The surge in crime and scams is compounding the misery for residents, who are already struggling to cope with the loss of their homes and livelihoods. The language barriers and cultural differences faced by some residents are also hindering their ability to access relief supplies and information, highlighting the need for targeted support and aid.

The government's efforts to provide aid and support to affected residents are crucial in helping them to rebuild their lives. However, the road to recovery will be long and challenging, and it will require a sustained effort from all stakeholders to ensure that the needs of the affected communities are met.