The 2016 Kumamoto earthquakes were a series of powerful seismic events that struck Kumamoto Prefecture in Japan in April 2016. The first major quake, measuring 7.0 on the Richter scale, occurred on April 16, followed by several aftershocks. These earthquakes caused significant damage to buildings, infrastructure, and historical sites, including the famous Kumamoto Castle. The disaster resulted in the loss of lives and injuries to thousands of people. Emergency response efforts were mobilized quickly, with local and national agencies providing aid and support to affected communities. The earthquakes highlighted the importance of earthquake preparedness in Japan, a country prone to seismic activity.