Kumamoto Earthquake Business Damage Tops 117.6 Billion Yen

Aug 16, 2026 | News On Japan

Kumamoto - Commercial and industrial damage from the Kumamoto earthquake has already reached 117.6 billion yen, while continuing water outages are preventing many businesses from reopening.

According to the Kumamoto prefectural government, damage to businesses and industry caused by the earthquake totaled 117.6 billion yen as of August 15.

In a shopping district in central Yatsushiro, many stores remain unable to resume operations.

Shigenobu Ikebe, a section chief at the Yatsushiro Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said water outages have become the most common issue raised by local businesses. "The biggest concern in recent consultations has been the water outage. Water that we normally take for granted is simply not coming out," he said.

Electricity has been restored in Yatsushiro, but many businesses remain unable to reopen because they cannot secure sufficient water.

An operator of a fresh fish shop and restaurant said water was the final major obstacle to resuming business. "If the water is all right, we can reopen. We use a large amount of water, and I think the same is true not only for us but for restaurants throughout the city," the operator said.

The Yatsushiro Chamber of Commerce and Industry said many businesses in the city also rely on well water, increasing the need for urgent measures alongside the restoration of the municipal water supply.

Source: TBS

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