The Japanese government will allocate 24.2 billion yen (about $153 million) from its reserve fund to help with the aftermath of the powerful earthquake that struck Kumamoto Prefecture on July 28, Japan's chief cabinet secretary Minoru Kihara said.

"The Cabinet of Ministers has decided to use a total of 24.2 billion yen to respond to the Kumamoto earthquake [aftermath]," Kihara said.

Most of these funds will be used for reconstruction and emergency work in the affected areas, including road infrastructure and bridges, temporary housing for the victims, as well as material assistance in the form of food and beds at evacuation centers.