Mystery Foam Flows Down The Streets Of Japan After Earthquake

Japan continues to command the world’s attention after two powerful earthquakes wreaked havoc in the southern region of one of its cities — Kumamoto. But in the midst of all of the destruction, a mystery was created.

Overnight a mysterious foam flowed through and covered the streets of another of its cities, Fukuoka. It is believed that the foam is directly related to the earthquakes in some way. Rumors speculate that the foam is the by-product of an underground pipe which burst as a result of the seismic activity, but this has not been confirmed.

According to WSB-TV, Fukuoka is approximately two hours away from where the strongest earthquakes occurred in the city of Kumamoto. The quakes took place on late Thursday and early Saturday and were so strong that residents of Fukuoka felt them in their area. Videos and images of the foam have appeared all over social media as residents of the city continue to question its nature.

The foam appeared on Saturday morning, according to the Daily Mail, after a 7-magnitude quake. This was the second earthquake to hit the region. The second Kumamoto quake has claimed 41 lives up until this report, and caused massive damage and thousands of injuries. The effects stretched across the expanse of Kyushu Island where 1,500 injuries have been reported along with 31 additional deaths.

The first quake, which measured 6.4, had already claimed 10 lives.

Over 400,000 homes have been left without water and 200,000 homes have no power. Emergency aid centers have been set up to provide food and water to the population even after aftershocks continue to occur.

The Independent writes that one Twitter user called the foam “disgusting.”

Tazuki Nabeta, who lives in the central district of Tenjin, described what he saw.

“I saw it just after the earthquake.

“People were posting pictures on Twitter and it was near my house, so I went out to have a look.

“There was a fire engine there. There wasn’t anything special about it – it was normal foam.”

In contrast to this, RT reports that no fire trucks have been seen in any of the photos posted thus far.

Authorities continue to search for survivors in the aftermath of the devastation in the areas most seriously affected. Shinzo Abe, Japan’s prime minister, stressed the urgency of the situation.

“Nothing is more important than human life and it’s a race against time. Daytime today is the big test. I want rescue activities to continue with the utmost effort.”

Adding to the sense of urgency is that the meteorological agency has predicted heavy rainfall and high winds over the next few days. This will complicate rescue efforts as additional landslides remain a possibility, writes USA Today.

Several nations, including the United States, have offered to assist in rescue efforts, but Prime Minister Abe has indicated that his country’s military and rescue agencies have the situation under control at the moment. Japan has dispatched 20,000 troops to step up rescue operations, and many of these troops have received special training on how to deploy during disaster relief efforts. This is in addition to the thousands of local police, rescue workers, and firefighters who have already been working tirelessly to locate and rescue those who remain trapped.

United States government spokesperson Marrie Schaefer reiterated the government’s support and willingness to assist.

“We offer our condolences for those affected by the earthquakes in Kumamoto. The U.S. government is ready to offer support if and when needed.”

The Independent reports that despite the fact that Fukuoka experienced strong shaking, they, fortunately, sustained very little damage from the quakes and the aftershocks.

Mystery foam appears in #Japan after #earthquakes https://t.co/8GJDsOJu1Q

— Mary Fords Grandbaby (@MaryFordgb) April 16, 2016

Fukuoka is the capital of Fukuoka Prefecture and is located on the northern shore of Kyushu Island. The area is a popular one for tourists who like to explore its beaches and ancient temples which stand in stark contrast to its modern shopping malls. The area boasts a popular art museum as well as a 17th-century castle. Fukuoka is also known for its tonkotsu ramen which can be purchased on the street from one of the city’s many street stalls. It is Japan’s sixth largest city.

[Image via Twitter]