DISASTER RESPONSE / 活動報告
2026 Kumamoto Earthquake
Disaster Relief in Uki City, Kumamoto Prefecture
Two members of Clean the Coast went to the affected area. In response to the requests of those affected, they worked on cleaning up houses and moving out household belongings.
ACTIVITY ORGANIZATION / 活動団体情報
What is Clean the Coast?
Launched in April 2020, this volunteer organization primarily focuses on collecting marine debris along the coast of Uwajima City. In addition to regular environmental conservation activities, it also engages in disaster relief and training personnel for disaster preparedness.
- Organization name
- Clean the Coast
- Main activity areas
- Collection of marine debris and coastal clean-up, environmental conservation, disaster relief, heavy machinery training for disaster relief, and team building for operators
- Activity region
- Southern Ehime region, mainly along the coast of Uwajima City. During disaster relief, activities are also conducted in affected areas as needed (Uki City, Kumamoto Prefecture in this article)
- Contact
- Instagram：@clean.the.coast
Inquiries：Nishimoto 0895-25-2813
A cooperative partner of the Uwajima NPO Center. Contact information confirmed on 2026/08/30 based on the public announcement of Clean the Coast hosted events.
The "2026 Kumamoto Earthquake," which occurred on July 28, 2026, recorded a maximum seismic intensity of 7 in Uki City and Hikawa Town, Kumamoto Prefecture.
Eleven days after the earthquake, on August 8, 2026, two members of Clean the Coast, a cooperative partner of the Uwajima NPO Center, entered Uki City, Kumamoto Prefecture, and carried out cleanup of damaged houses and removal of household belongings.
This activity proceeded by confirming each request from local residents and responding to the tasks needed at that time.
Damage to daily life observed on site
Cleaning up after a disaster is not merely moving things. It is an activity that supports the first step towards rebuilding homes and daily lives, dealing with precious household belongings of those affected.
Responding to the requests of those affected
Cleaning up damaged houses
We assessed the conditions inside and outside the houses and proceeded with cleanup within the requested scope.
Moving out household belongings
We safely moved out household belongings while confirming the intentions of those affected.
After the activity
There is much that needs to be done for support. I felt that there are also many things I can do myself.
On site, even after one task is completed, the next necessary support continues. At the same time, these words convey that even without a special role, one can find a role to play in response to the situation at hand.
From everyday connections to disaster actions
The disaster relief department of the Uwajima NPO Center values fostering relationships and personnel who can go to affected areas when needed, not just completing activities within the region, but also connecting with affected areas and support organizations outside the prefecture.
With Clean the Coast, we have accumulated experience in safely operating on site and cooperating as a team through regular activities such as coastal cleanups. The activities in Uki City, Kumamoto Prefecture, are a record showing how daily practice and human connections can lead to support across regions.
Overview of the earthquake confirmed by public information
- Occurrence: Around 16:27 on 2026/07/28
- Epicenter: Kumamoto region, Kumamoto Prefecture, 16km deep (provisional value)
- Magnitude: 7.1 (provisional value)
- Maximum seismic intensity: 7 (Uki City and Hikawa Town, Kumamoto Prefecture)
The above information is based on public information from the Japan Meteorological Agency and was confirmed on 2026/08/30. Earthquake activity and support information are updated, so please check the pages of each public institution for the latest information.
About the activities of the Disaster Relief Department
The Uwajima NPO Center integrates regular regional activities with disaster relief, fostering connections of people, technology, and information. We introduce activities in coastal areas, remote islands, and hard-to-reach areas, training of support personnel, and collaboration with organizations inside and outside the prefecture on the disaster relief department page.
View Disaster Relief DepartmentEnglish Summary
Disaster Relief Support in Uki City, Kumamoto
On July 28, 2026, a magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck the Kumamoto region. The highest seismic intensity of 7 was recorded in Uki City and Hikawa Town, Kumamoto Prefecture.
On August 8, two members of Clean the Coast, a partner of the Uwajima NPO Center, traveled to Uki City. In response to requests from residents, they helped clear damaged homes and carry household belongings out of affected properties.
After the activity, one participant reflected: “There is still so much that needs to be done to support those affected. I also felt that there are many things each of us can do.”
The Uwajima NPO Center values the connections, practical experience, and teamwork built through everyday community activities. We believe these foundations help people respond beyond regional boundaries when disaster strikes.
References / Sources
- Activity details: Information submitted through the Uwajima NPO Center "Blog Article Creation Application Form" (Received: 2026/08/28, Confirmed: 2026/08/30)
- Photos: Provided by Clean the Coast. The hero image was extended and reconfigured to 16:9 based on the provided photos, and the original photos were used for the body text.
- Japan Meteorological Agency "2026 Kumamoto Earthquake Portal Site" (Last updated: 2026/08/25, Confirmed: 2026/08/30)
- Japan Meteorological Agency "About the 2026 Kumamoto Earthquake (10th Report)" (Published: 2026/08/25, Confirmed: 2026/08/30)
- Uki City "Information on the 2026 Kumamoto Earthquake (occurred July 28)" (Updated: 2026/08/29 17:00, Confirmed: 2026/08/30)
- Uwajima City "Uwajima People ~ Kazuhiro Nishimoto" (Updated: 2024/07/01, Confirmed: 2026/08/30)
- Uwajima City Council of Social Welfare "Volunteer and Citizen Activity Center" (Published: ---, Confirmed: 2026/08/30)
- Uwajima NPO Center "Clean the Coast Heavy Equipment Training Conducted" (Activity date: 2026/05/24, Confirmed: 2026/08/30)
- Clean the Coast hosted event announcement (Contact information listed, Published: ---, Confirmed: 2026/08/30)