Four municipalities in Kumamoto Prefecture have opened hotel-based secondary shelters to protect earthquake evacuees from extreme summer heat [2].

This emergency measure aims to prevent heatstroke and secondary disasters by reducing overcrowding in traditional gym shelters during a period of record-breaking temperatures [1, 2].

The initiative follows an earthquake that occurred on July 28, 2024, which registered a maximum seismic intensity of seven [1]. In the aftermath, local officials faced a critical situation at the Wing Matsubase gym in Uki City. By 8 a.m. on the reporting day, approximately 500 people were sheltering at the facility [1].

Conditions inside the gym were hazardous due to the weather. The area recorded a high of 38.4°C [1], while other regions experienced temperatures exceeding 40°C [2]. To alleviate the density of these primary shelters, Uki City Mayor Naohiro Suematsu and prefectural disaster officials said the use of hotels as secondary evacuation sites should be promoted [1].

The program is active across four municipalities: Uki City, Uto City, Hikawa Town, and Yatsushiro City [2]. Local authorities have secured 59 facilities to provide relief to the displaced population [2]. These secured facilities offer a total capacity of approximately 2,200 rooms [2].

By shifting residents from crowded gymnasiums to hotels, officials intend to provide a more stable environment for those unable to return to their homes. This strategy addresses the immediate physical risks posed by the heatwave, while managing the logistical strain on public facilities [1, 2].

“Four municipalities in Kumamoto Prefecture have opened hotel-based secondary shelters to protect earthquake evacuees from extreme summer heat.”

The shift toward hotel-based secondary shelters reflects a growing necessity for Japanese disaster management to account for climate extremes. When high-intensity seismic events coincide with extreme heatwaves, traditional public shelters like gymnasiums can become health hazards themselves. By integrating private sector hospitality infrastructure into emergency responses, municipalities can mitigate the risk of heat-related deaths among vulnerable displaced populations.