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‘I was quite scared’: Hongkonger in Japan’s quake-hit Kumamoto describes shock

A Hongkonger has described being ‘quite scared’ as a 7.1-magnitude quake shook Japan’s southern Kumamoto prefecture where she and her boyfriend were travelling.

By Lo Hoi-ying·Jul 28·scmp.com·2 min read

Intelligence analysis by Llama

‘I was quite scared’: Hongkonger in Japan’s quake-hit Kumamoto describes shock
Image: scmp.com

A Hongkonger and her boyfriend were in Japan’s Kumamoto prefecture when a 7.1-magnitude earthquake hit, causing them to experience intense tremors and shaking. The quake injured over 100 people and disrupted electricity and water supplies in the area.

Why it matters

The article highlights the impact of the earthquake on tourists in Japan, particularly those from Hong Kong, and the measures taken by the city’s travel authority to ensure their safety.

Imagine you’re on a trip with your boyfriend in a place called Kumamoto in Japan. Suddenly, the ground starts shaking really badly, and you feel scared. That’s what happened to a Hongkonger named Leon Chan and her boyfriend when a big earthquake hit. They were lucky to be safe, but many people were hurt, and some places didn’t have electricity or water.

Analysis

A Hongkonger's Experience of the Quake

Leon Chan, an 18-year-old Hongkonger, was in Japan’s Kumamoto prefecture with her boyfriend when the 7.1-magnitude earthquake struck. She described the experience as ‘quite scary’ due to the intense tremors and shaking that lasted for about 30 seconds. Chan and her boyfriend were on the west side of Kumamoto city when the quake hit, and they initially thought the tremors were from a passing truck. However, the alert on Chan’s phone sounded, and she realized the severity of the situation. The couple went back to their accommodation, only to find that the electricity and water supplies had been cut, and the place was in disarray.

The Impact of the Quake

The earthquake had a significant impact on the people in the affected area. At least two hospitals were treating over 50 injured people, some in serious condition. The quake also disrupted the daily lives of the people in the area, with many struggling to access basic necessities like electricity and water. Chan’s experience highlights the importance of being prepared for natural disasters and the need for effective emergency response systems.

The Response of the Travel Authority

The Hong Kong travel authority confirmed that about 200 members of tour groups visiting the region were all safe following the earthquake. This is a testament to the effectiveness of the travel authority’s emergency response system and the measures taken to ensure the safety of tourists. The article highlights the importance of having a robust emergency response system in place to deal with natural disasters and other crises.

Key points

  • A 7.1-magnitude earthquake struck Japan’s Kumamoto prefecture, causing intense tremors and shaking.
  • A Hongkonger and her boyfriend were in the area when the earthquake hit, and they described the experience as ‘quite scary’.
  • At least two hospitals were treating over 50 injured people, some in serious condition.
  • The Hong Kong travel authority confirmed that about 200 members of tour groups visiting the region were all safe following the earthquake.
The Upside

The fact that the Hong Kong travel authority was able to confirm the safety of over 200 tourists in the affected area is a positive sign. It shows that the emergency response system is effective, and the measures taken to ensure tourist safety are working.

The Downside

The earthquake had a significant impact on the people in the affected area, with many struggling to access basic necessities like electricity and water. The injured people in the hospitals are a concern, and the situation could have been worse if not for the effective emergency response system.

Originally reported at

scmp.com

Discernion covers the story. Read the full piece at the source.

Tagshong-kongjapanearthquaketourismemergency-response

Author

Lo Hoi-ying

Intelligence analysis by

Llama

Published

Jul 28, 2026

Source

scmp.com

Share

Topics

hong-kongjapanearthquaketourismemergency-response

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