It has been 26 years since the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake, which killed 6,434 people, 17 days ago.

In areas that have been severely damaged, such as Kobe City, events are continuing to commemorate the victims while taking measures to prevent the infection of the new corona.

The Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake that occurred 26 years ago on January 17, 1995 caused a series of collapses and fires, and 6434 people died, including the subsequent "disaster-related deaths."



In the park "Higashi Yuenchi" in Chuo-ku, Kobe, lanterns in memory of the victims are lined up in the shape of "1.17" and "Ganbaro", and the bereaved families are quiet at 5:46 am when the earthquake struck. He put his hands together and offered silence to the victims.



"Ganbaro" formed by the lanterns is based on the slogan "Ganbaro Kobe", which has been the driving force of reconstruction 26 years ago and is the current state where many people are anxious due to the influence of the new corona. It contains a message to overcome one heart.



According to the city of Kobe, the number of people who visited the memorial service was about 20,000 as of 5 pm, which is 18,000 less than last year.



In response to the state of emergency, Hyogo Prefecture has urged the citizens of the prefecture to refrain from going out unnecessarily and urgently, and strongly urged them to do so after 8:00 pm. It will end at 7 o'clock.



The 17th is a day to connect the memories and lessons of the earthquake while thoroughly implementing infection prevention measures.