Central Kyushu got hit very badly again last night (April 16th) - an M7.4. This had 30 times the energy of the M6.4 that hit on April 15th.

We are in Fukuoka, 100km or so north of the epicentre. Even here, we have had a fairly torrid night, with our very old house being shaken repeatedly and violently.

We have had multiple large aftershocks this morning.

We are a small group. We are aware of our limitations. We have taken advice from people who have worked extensively in Fukushima after the 2011 quake.

In the first instance we will be taking a van down to Kumamoto filled with animal food and supplies, to see what we can do.

We are currently focussed on feeding animals "in situ", assessing the situation and offering help to injured animals and their evacuated owners.

It is possible that we will not have access to the affected areas as roads are blocked, destroyed or congested. Heavy rains and winds are forecast for April 17th. If they are severe - and currently 4 to 6 inches of rain is forecast for the next 24 hours - we may delay our recce until the 18th. We shall decide April 17th morning.

We have launched an appeal. All donations will be spent directly on the animals or their evacuated owners and is gratefully received. Donate here

Our Amazon Wish List is here.

If you are in the area and can assist us - or know of an area with special need of help - please contact us on 050-5539-7187 or through this website.

The first thing you worry about in an earthquake, after the immediate safety of your human loved ones, is the safety of your pets. If you live alone, they may be the only thing in the world you have to love....

So donations are helping humans AND animals.

Nick May, Director.

[image of building is from 2011 Fukushima Quake. Image from Flickr, https://www.flickr.com/photos/dvids/ used under creative commons license.]