Tokyo Archdiocese Appeals for Aid After Deadly Earthquake Hits Southern Japan

The Catholic Archdiocese of Tokyo has appealed for prayers and financial support following the magnitude 7.1 earthquake that struck Kumamoto Prefecture on Japan's southern island of Kyushu, leaving dozens dead, thousands displaced, and widespread damage across the region.

Tokyo Archbishop Tarcisio Isao Cardinal Kikuchi urged the faithful to support relief efforts through Caritas Japan and the Catholic Diocese of Fukuoka, which are coordinating assistance for affected communities.

"As continued support is expected to be needed going forward, Caritas Japan has begun accepting donations," Cardinal Kikuchi said. "Additionally, fundraising activities by the Catholic Diocese of Fukuoka are being conducted in parallel."

He explained that donations made through Caritas Japan will be used to assist disaster victims and support long-term recovery efforts, while contributions to the Diocese of Fukuoka will help repair damaged church properties and provide aid to parishioners affected by the disaster.

Japanese authorities reported 36 deaths as of August 2, with two fatalities still under investigation to determine whether they were directly related to the earthquake. More than 3,400 homes were damaged, about 9,000 people were evacuated, and approximately 69,000 households and businesses remained without running water in Kumamoto Prefecture.

Fukuoka Bishop Josep Abella encouraged the faithful to join volunteer groups that will organize and oversee disaster relief operations.

The bishop reported that Yatsushiro Church sustained significant damage, including its rectory and parish hall. According to Shalom World News, a 24-year-old Vietnamese parishioner, Petro Son, died when a factory chimney collapsed during the earthquake.

Bishop Abella said that damage to other churches, religious houses, and Church facilities in the diocese appeared to be minimal.

He also recalled that Kumamoto was devastated by two major earthquakes in April 2016, which claimed 277 lives and caused extensive destruction across the prefecture.

"We remember those who lost their lives and join their bereaved families in praying for the repose of their souls," Bishop Abella said. "We also offer our heartfelt sympathies to the many people who have been affected by the earthquake."

The Archdiocese of Tokyo encouraged those wishing to support relief efforts to donate through Caritas Japan or the Diocese of Fukuoka as the Church continues to accompany survivors in rebuilding their lives and communities.