In a commendable effort to assist victims of the recent Kumamoto earthquake, the Kyushu Bureau of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism has announced the initiation of a water supply support program using their vessels, Kaiho (海輝) and Kaiki (海煌). This program is set to commence on July 31, 2023, in the Yatsushiro area, specifically within the Yatsushiro port.
The first phase of this initiative will be conducted on Friday, July 31, from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM at the 4.5-meter quay at Yatsushiro Port. Residents and those affected by the earthquake are encouraged to come prepared with their own containers—be it poly tanks or plastic bottles—to collect the water. Approximately 5 liters of water will be available for each visit. It's pertinent for the community members to note that while the water is planned to be suitable for drinking, quality tests will be performed beforehand. Depending on the test results, the water distributed may instead be classified for non-drinking use.
As part of the ongoing relief efforts, the water supply program will continue on Saturday, August 1, starting at 11:00 AM. This initiative not only aims to provide immediate assistance to those impacted but also reflects the Bureau's commitment to ensuring the health and safety of the local community during recovery operations.
The details are as follows:
- - Date: July 31, 2023
- - Time: 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM
- - Location: Yatsushiro Port, near the Prefectural No. 6 warehouse (4.5m quay)
For more information, or if residents have specific concerns or issues, they can reach out to the contact numbers provided by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism. The Bureau's Ocean and Environmental Division, led by Sasaki and Sato, can be contacted at 03-5253-8111, ext. 46674 or 46673, and their direct line is 03-5253-8685. Furthermore, for area-specific inquiries, residents can connect with Tomita at the Kyushu Bureau's relevant office at 092-418-3380.
This step towards community support represents a critical part of post-disaster recovery efforts. The Kyushu Bureau's proactive response to providing essential water resources will undoubtedly aid in the alleviation of immediate needs for those affected by the earthquake. As the situation evolves, the Bureau will continue to provide updates and information pertinent to the ongoing support efforts. The local community is encouraged to stay informed through official channels to ensure they can access the necessary resources during these challenging times.