Kumamoto and the devastation from the massive 7.1-magnitude quake has moved into a new phase, as relief operations now prioritize water and providing assistance for those suffering from the earthquake, and repairing houses. The number of dead has now reached 39 and there are 205 wounded, seven of whom are seriously injured. A notable new development is the arrival in …

After the devastating 7.1-magnitude earthquake struck Kumamoto Prefecture one week ago, the government has begun a new phase of recovery, with the aid package for the prefect decided last week and totaling ¥24.2 billion ($160 million). The money would go toward speeding up the reconstruction, repairing damaged infrastructure, and aiding thousands of disaster-devastated residents that have yet to recover. View …

In Japan, a devastating 7.1-magnitude earthquake hit the country’s south-western Kumamoto Prefecture in southern Kyushu, killing at least 13 people, injuring hundreds and trapping people under collapsed buildings. One of the strongest tremors in recent years, unleashed the devastating effects, sparking emergency rescue operations of unprecedented scale in the country. Police, fire and more than 4,500 personnel from Japan’s national …