# Kumamoto quake relief and Vietnamese rescue heroics > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/kumamoto-earthquake-foreign-nationals-impact > Updated: 2026-08-02T12:20:02.000Z. Sources: 27. Developments: 4. The July 28–29, 2026 Kumamoto earthquake, initially reported as magnitude 7.1 and later revised to 6.0, killed at least 38 people, injured 101 and damaged more than 3,800 homes. Roughly 8,500 residents were evacuated, including about 7,000–7,500 Vietnamese living in the prefecture. One Vietnamese worker, Trần Văn Sơn, died and another was injured; a 90‑year‑old Japanese woman was rescued by five Vietnamese volunteers, an act highlighted by NHK and Yomiuri Shimbun. Community leaders Lê Trâm and Xuân Hoa said local authorities supplied food and water to evacuation centres while volunteers distributed additional water, food, infant formula and other essentials. Rescue operations at the Nippon Paper Industries plant in Yatsushiro and the Aeon Mall in Kumamoto were completed, with many trapped victims recovered. The Japanese government readied 73 hotels to house about 2,200 evacuees for a second‑phase evacuation. By August 2 supermarkets reopened, easing shortages. Vietnamese volunteers continued to support families, restore services and rebuild infrastructure, while Vietnamese authorities offered condolences and praised the community’s contribution. ## Claims - The Vietnamese community in Kumamoto organised aid deliveries of water and food to affected residents. (corroborated by 4 sources) - A magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck Kumamoto prefecture on 28 July 2026. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Five Vietnamese citizens rescued a 90‑year‑old Japanese woman from rubble and were praised by Japanese media. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Approximately 7,000–7,500 Vietnamese residents live in Kumamoto, with about 1,000 in Yatsushiro and 350 in Uki. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The quake caused at least 38 deaths and 101 injuries in Kumamoto. (corroborated by 2 sources) - One Vietnamese worker died and another was injured in the earthquake. (corroborated by 2 sources) - More than 3,800 houses were damaged and about 8,500 people were evacuated. (single source) - Japanese authorities prepared 73 hotels to house about 2,200 people for a second‑phase evacuation. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-08-02: Kumamoto quake spurs Vietnamese rescue heroics and community aid A 7.1‑magnitude quake in Kumamoto killed 38, injured 101 and displaced 8,500; five Vietnamese rescued an elderly Japanese woman, one Vietnamese worker died, and the Vietnamese community organised aid for over 7 9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/kumamoto-earthquake-relief-aids-vietnamese-community-in-japan ### 2026-07-31: Vietnamese Workers Honored for Rescue Efforts After Japan’s Kumamoto Earthquake Five Vietnamese workers were lauded by Japanese media for heroic rescue actions after the 29 July 2026 Kumamoto earthquake; Vietnam’s Fukuoka consulate reported no casualties among its nationals. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/vietnamese-workers-honored-for-rescue-efforts-after-japans-kumamoto-earthquake ### 2026-07-30: Japan's Kumamoto quake spares Vietnamese and Fijian nationals, embassies report A 7.1 quake in Kumamoto, Japan caused heavy damage, but Vietnamese and Fijian nationals were unharmed, according to their respective embassies. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/japans-kumamoto-quake-spares-vietnamese-and-fijian-nationals-embassies-report ### 2026-07-28: Kumamoto earthquake kills Vietnamese worker, injures others, damages historic castle A 7.1‑magnitude quake hit Kumamoto on 28 July 2026, killing 13 people including a Vietnamese apprentice, injuring other Vietnamese, damaging Kumamoto Castle and Aeon Mall, and prompting evacuation of ~300 000. 22 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/vietnam-activates-consular-protection-for-citizens-after-japans-magnitude7-quake --- Cite as: Kumamoto quake relief and Vietnamese rescue heroics. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/kumamoto-earthquake-foreign-nationals-impact