The Japanese government has officially designated the recent earthquake that struck Kumamoto as a "severe disaster". This decision paves the way for the stricken areas to receive substantial financial aid and resources from the national budget for recovery efforts. The nature and extent of damages, effect on the community, and the subsequent response strategies will be closely scrutinized in the coming weeks.

In Japan, classifying an event such as an earthquake as a "severe disaster" has significant implications. This designation is typically reserved for the most catastrophic events, placing heavy emphasis on aiding and rebuilding the affected areas. People in Japan value resilience and unity in the face of hardships, evident in their response to such disasters.

In the US or EU, government responses to similar situations can be equally significant. However, while federal assistance is provided, local and regional authorities also play a crucial role. The community and individual citizens' preparedness and response to such disasters are critical.