Over 1,500 remain in shelters 2 months after Japan's Kumamoto quake

Earthquake

TOKYO, Sept. 28 (Xinhua/UNB) -- Over 1,500 people are still staying in evacuation centers two months after a powerful earthquake struck Kumamoto Prefecture in southwestern Japan on July 28, local media reported Monday.

The 7.1-magnitude quake registered a maximum of 7 on Japan's 0-to-7 seismic intensity scale in the hardest-hit areas, leaving 38 people dead.

As of Friday, 1,514 people remained in shelters at 32 locations across the prefecture, while many others continue to live in hotels or in their damaged homes, Jiji Press reported, citing the prefectural government.

The quake damaged 71,518 residential buildings, including 9,540 that were completely or partially destroyed.

The Kumamoto prefectural government faces the key challenge of securing safe and stable accommodation for affected residents as soon as possible and helping them rebuild their lives. - UNB