Vietnamese Workers in Kumamoto: 'Sharing Every Sip of Water After the Earthquake'

On March 18, three days into water outages caused by the Kumamoto earthquake, Mai Linh (pseudonym) and many other Vietnamese workers in Kumamoto Prefecture were cycling kilometers to share bottled water provided as aid. Those who lost their homes due to the earthquake are enduring harsh conditions, including sleeping in their cars, as shelters are insufficient. Linh recounted the situation, "Water was the most critical need. We shared it among ourselves, drinking little by little." Vietnam sends many workers to Japan through its Technical Intern Training Program and Specified Skilled Worker program, and they are active in various sectors of the Japanese economy. This earthquake has directly impacted the lives of Vietnamese workers in Japan. The Vietnamese government consistently prioritizes the safety of its citizens working abroad and may conduct information gathering and support activities through its diplomatic missions during such disasters. However, the local situation remains severe, and rebuilding lives independently is an urgent task.