In the wake of the devastating earthquakes that struck Kumamoto, affected areas continue to face sweltering heat. As of August 1, approximately 70,000 households remain without running water, and 9,200 people are officially reported to be displaced. The emergency relief team from AAR Japan (Association for Aid and Relief, Japan) is distributing freshly prepared meals to survivors who are sheltering at home without access to basic utilities.

On July 30, AAR’s emergency team—in collaboration with a local volunteer group from Higashi Honganji Temple—initiated meal distribution at Enfuku-ji, a local Buddhist temple in Ogawa Town, Uki City, located south of the epicenter. As lunch hour approached, local announcements brought a steady stream of residents, including those staying at evacuation shelters who had returned to clean up their damaged homes, as well as those continuing to shelter in place.

“Around 400 people are packed into the nearby shelter, but it’s so cramped that we can’t even stretch out our legs to sleep,” shared one resident. “With the power out, we can’t use air conditioning either. We’ve set up a tent in front of our house, laid a tarp on the ground, and have been sleeping outside.”

According to the Kumamoto Prefectural Government, 6,000 households were still without power as of July 31, while other families remained without electricity due to severe structural damage to their homes. In Uki City alone, 17,000 households are still enduring water outages, making daily tasks like cooking extremely difficult.

On July 30, AAR’s emergency team distributed 66 portions of freshly cooked yakisoba (pan-fried noodles), along with 120 cooling sheets for heatstroke prevention and 100 bottles of water. Later that evening, operations shifted to Akitsu Dai-ichi Community Center in Higashi Ward, Kumamoto City, where 400 servings of Chinese-style somen noodles were provided—an easily digestible meal amidst the intense summer heat.

On July 31, AAR’s emergency team returned to Enfuku-ji Temple in Uki City to serve 100 portions of Japanese style curry, a comfort food staple in emergency soup kitchens. Throughout the neighborhood, families could be seen staying in tents pitched in their yards, with some explaining they spent the night sitting in camping chairs.

“It’s so hot we can hardly sleep. We just hope utilities are restored soon,” residents voiced. Yet, holding fresh meals, their expressions briefly softened with a sense of relief.

While power has been restored in some areas allowing a few residents to return home, those remaining in shelters or sleeping in their vehicles are facing mounting exhaustion. AAR Japan will continue to deliver cooked meals alongside other essential aid tailored to evolving local needs. We sincerely ask for your support for our Kumamoto Earthquake Emergency Relief efforts.