278 disability care facilities affected by Kumamoto earthquake

By Barrier Free Japan

August 1 2026

TOKYO – A total of 278 disability care facilities in Kumamoto Prefecture have been affected by the powerful earthquake that struck the region earlier this week, Kyodo reported on July 31, citing the Health, Labour and Welfare Ministry.

The ministry said the facilities have reported damage including structural damage to buildings and power outages.

Speaking at a press conference after the Cabinet meeting the same day, Health, Labour and Welfare Minister Kenichiro Ueno reported that evacuations had been completed at some elderly care and disability care facilities.

The largest number of affected facilities was in Uki City, where 62 sustained damage, followed by 57 in Kumamoto City and 47 in Yatsushiro City. Other facilities elsewhere in the prefecture were also affected.

The figures were released as authorities continued to assess the impact of the earthquake, which registered a maximum seismic intensity of 7 in Kumamoto Prefecture, and worked to restore essential services in the hardest-hit areas.