Japan: 44,000 people had to leave their homes after the earthquake on Kyushu island

(Baonghean.vn) - At least 44,000 people were evacuated after a devastating earthquake hit Mashiki town on Kyushu Island, Japan last night, April 14. The earthquake, measuring 6.4 on the Richter scale, collapsed most of the houses and other infrastructure, killing 9 people, leaving 8 in critical condition and injuring more than 850.

Rescuers carry an eight-month-old baby girl from a collapsed house in Mashiki.

The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) warned of strong aftershocks over the next week and advised people to stay away from any houses showing signs of instability.

Among the aftershocks following the earthquake, the biggest concern is volcanic activity as Kyushu island is an area with a high potential for volcanic activity.

Since November 2015, Mount Aso in Kumamoto Prefecture has been classified as a level 2 warning area, meaning people are not allowed to go near the crater area.

A JMA spokesman said they have been closely monitoring Mount Aso (one of the world's largest volcanoes) since the earthquake but have not seen any unusual signs.

A resident rests with his pet dog at an evacuation center.

Last night's earthquake gave Kumamoto residents a sleepless night. Everyone had to evacuate during the night.

Principal Sosuke Tanaka of West Hiroyasu Elementary School had to turn the school into a temporary evacuation center for 300 people.

Meanwhile, at Mashiki Gym, owner Yoko Marume said more and more people were coming to evacuate. Last night, about 200 people came to the gym, and now there are about 500. Bread and water rations have begun to be distributed to those displaced by the earthquake.

The earthquake that occurred in Kyushu on the night of April 14 had a maximum magnitude of 7 on the Richter scale, equivalent to the earthquake in Kobe in 1995 and in three northeastern provinces of Japan on March 11, 2011. However, through preliminary assessments, the damage in Kyushu was lower.

Thanh Hien

(According to The Guardian)