After deadly tremors a decade ago, Kumamoto built earthquake-resistant buildings and even trained locals in search and rescue.

Monster Wolf and Pochi are among the robots deployed to scare away bears and transport cherry blossoms in a northern region where many farmers are in their 70s or older.

© Chang W. Lee/The New York Times

Kumamoto faces a “double disaster,” as rescuers work in 100 degree heat, and shelters with limited air-conditioning put displaced people at risk for heatstroke.