TOKYO (Sputnik) – On Thursday, a magnitude 6.5 earthquake struck to the east of the city of Kumamoto (the capital of Kumamoto Prefecture) on Japan’s Kyushu Island. It was followed by multiple aftershocks. At least nine people were killed and over 760 were hospitalized.
"Currently, 2,000 members of the Self-Defense Forces are working on the site, on Saturday another 15,000 people will be sent there, by Sunday the total number will reach 20,000," Suga said.
On Friday, the same area was hit by a 7.0-magnitude earthquake. At least 11 people were killed and over 900 were injured, according to Kumamoto authorities.
Japan sent an Osumi-class transport ship loaded with enough food for 66,000 people to Kumamoto Prefecture on Saturday.
