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First car survival drill held in Kumamoto for earthquake evacuation

27.05.2026 10:53 1 min 2 sources
読売新聞 JPN + 1 more
First car survival drill held in Kumamoto for earthquake evacuation
© FNNプライムオンライン

In Brief

About 70–100 people spent a night in cars at Kumamoto Keirin velodrome to practice earthquake evacuation. The drill focused on preventing economy-class syndrome, using emergency gear, and filling out QR-code surveys.

The first practical drill for surviving in a car during an earthquake was held at the Kumamoto Keirin velodrome, designated as an evacuation site for vehicle dwellers. The event was organized based on lessons from the 2016 Kumamoto earthquake, when many residents slept in cars due to fear of aftershocks.

According to one source, about 70 people in 40 cars took part; another source reports around 100 participants, including families with children. Attendees filled out surveys via QR codes, performed exercises to improve blood circulation, and learned about emergency equipment. Special emphasis was placed on preventing economy-class syndrome (thrombosis): participants were shown exercises and reminded to move their legs regularly.

The velodrome will open for evacuation in the event of an earthquake of intensity 6 or higher.

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Story sources

First car-sleeping evacuation drill held in Kumamoto to prevent economy class syndrome

27.05.2026 読売新聞 JPN

Kumamoto holds car sleeping evacuation drill at velodrome designated for earthquake refuge

26.05.2026 FNNプライムオンライン JPN

🇯🇵 Japan — fuel prices

Updated: 23.05.2026

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cheaper than 78% of countries

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