Kumamoto earthquake impact: Chimney inspections and supply chain disruptions

Following the Kumamoto earthquake, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism conducted a nationwide inspection of industrial chimneys. Asahi Kasei reported that no significant deterioration was found in two of its chimneys located in the Nobeoka area, which include a 180-meter structure built in 1976 and a 120-meter structure built in 1980.

The inspection was prompted by a previous incident where a chimney at a Nippon Paper Industries plant in Yatsushiro collapsed during the earthquake, resulting in nine fatalities. The collapse has had a profound economic impact on the region, as Nippon Paper's operations are central to the local economy, with over 300 local companies acting as suppliers or partners.

The ongoing disruption at the Yatsushiro plant highlights critical vulnerabilities in supply chain Business Continuity Planning (BCP). While many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) prepare for their own disasters, the Nippon Paper case demonstrates the risk posed when a major client's operations cease indefinitely. Experts suggest that effective BCP must include not only defensive measures to protect the company but also strategic decision-making frameworks for when to pivot or withdraw from business lines if a primary partner cannot recover.