Kyushu earthquake aftermath and how it highlights risks beyond collapsed buildings

The magnitude 7.1 earthquake that struck Kyushu on July 28 has moved from the emergency phase into a difficult recovery phase, where damaged infrastructure, water shortages, aftershocks and extreme heat are shaping the response.

The epicentre was reported in Kumamoto Prefecture, with strong shaking affecting wide areas of Kumamoto and felt across Miyazaki, Kagoshima, Nagasaki, Saga and Fukuoka. A tsunami advisory was issued for the Ariake and Yatsushiro Seas but was later lifted. Aftershocks continued in Kumamoto, with experts warning that further strong shaking could still occur.

By early August, the reported death toll had reached 38. More than 8,500 people remained in emergency shelters, while others were sleeping in cars, parks or outside damaged homes. Recovery has been made harder by temperatures reaching around 40C in southern Japan and by major water supply disruption.

The earthquake caused a wide range of infrastructure disruption. Kumamoto Airport saw flight suspensions, although many services continued. Parts of the Shinkansen network were halted, especially between Kumamoto and Kagoshima, while sections of the Minami Kyushu Expressway were closed.

Utility damage has become one of the most serious recovery issues. Tens of thousands of households lost power, thousands faced intentional gas stoppages, and more than 46,000 households were still without water almost a week after the quake. Medical services were also affected, with 43 medical institutions in Kumamoto Prefecture experiencing some form of electricity, water or gas stoppage.

This is the part of earthquake recovery that often receives less attention than collapsed buildings. Roads, water networks, power supply, telecommunications, hospitals and fuel logistics determine how quickly a region can stabilise after shaking stops.

The Kyushu earthquake also shows how one disaster can quickly combine with other hazards. Emergency shelters in converted gyms, classrooms and community centres became difficult to manage during extreme heat, especially where air conditioning, clean water and medical support were limited. One death was reportedly linked to apparent heatstroke while the person was sheltering in a car.

A reported explosion at a shopping mall after the earthquake has also raised concerns over secondary risks such as gas leaks, re-entry decisions and post-quake building safety. Reports said shoppers had been evacuated, but some employees remained inside before the explosion. Such cases underline why damaged buildings should not be re-entered until utilities, structural stability and fire risks have been checked.

The lesson from Kyushu is clear. Earthquake resilience is not only about designing structures to survive strong shaking. It is also about keeping lifeline systems functional, restoring water quickly, protecting evacuees from heat, controlling gas and fire risks, and managing aftershock safety.