11 Cities/Towns Fully Affected, 6 Partially — What Happened and What Residents Should Know

A major incident hit Okinawa early this morning, and it’s already becoming one of the most widespread water outages the island has experienced in years.

As someone who used to live in Okinawa, I immediately started getting messages from friends saying,
“Water pressure is dropping.” “Looks like we’re losing water soon.”
This situation is serious.

Here’s a clear breakdown of what happened, which areas are affected, and what residents should do right now.

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🔴 What Happened?

A Main Water Supply Pipeline Burst in Northern Okinawa

Around dawn on November 24, a major pipeline in Ōgimi Village (northern Okinawa) ruptured.
This pipe supplies water from a dam to the treatment plant and is extremely important — basically one of the main arteries feeding central and southern Okinawa.

Key points:

• The pipeline was built in 1967 → aging infrastructure
• It transports water from dam → purification facility
• The break forced the water bureau to stop water distribution to large parts of the island
• Officials say restoration will take at least until the 25th, possibly longer

This isn’t a small leak — it’s a major shutdown of the main supply route.

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🔴 Which Areas Will Lose Water?

Full Outage (Entire Area) — 11 cities/towns

• Itoman
• Tomigusuku
• Nanjo
• Uruma
• Yaese
• Haebaru
• Yonabaru
• Nishihara
• Kadena
• Yomitan
• Kin

Partial Outage — 6 cities/towns

• Naha
• Urasoe
• Nakagusuku
• Kitanakagusuku
• Okinawa City
• Onna

💡 North of Chatan should be mostly unaffected because they use a different water system.

Outages may start after 12 PM today, but actual timing can vary depending on remaining water in each area’s reservoirs.

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🔴 When Will Water Come Back?

The Okinawa Water Bureau says:

• Repairs are ongoing
• A temporary alternative water route is being built
• Earliest restoration: November 25
• Some areas may take longer depending on geography and water pressure

Realistically, this could be a multi-day issue in certain neighborhoods.

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🔴 What Residents Should Do Right Now

(Practical advice from someone who has lived through Okinawa’s water outages)

✔ 1. Secure Drinking Water (at least 2 days’ worth)

1 gallon per person per day is the U.S. guideline — Okinawa households should buy early before stores run out.

✔ 2. Fill the Bathtub for Flushing Toilets

This is the #1 thing people regret not doing during past outages.

✔ 3. Stock Paper Plates, Plastic Wrap, and Wet Wipes

You won’t be able to wash dishes.

✔ 4. Do Laundry Before the Outage Starts

Laundromats will get crowded fast.

✔ 5. Check Local City Announcements for Water Distribution Points

Each city/town will likely set up spots where residents can pick up water.

✔ 6. High-Rise Apartments Lose Water First

Okinawa buildings often rely on pumps →
3rd floor and above may lose water earlier due to low pressure.

✔ 7. Expect Possible School or Business Closures

Restaurants, daycares, and hospitals are especially vulnerable to water stoppage.

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🔵 What This Feels Like (From a Former Okinawa Resident)

I lived in Okinawa for years.
Typhoon-related outages are fairly common, but this one is different — it’s a large-scale pipeline failure.

Friends in different areas are already sending updates like:

“Water pressure is getting weak.”
“My building is preparing for a shutdown.”
“Convenience store water shelves already half empty.”

This will affect daily life fast.
Residents should take it seriously and prepare immediately.

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🔵 Updates Will Follow

This is a developing situation with a huge impact across central and southern Okinawa.
I’ll continue updating this article as more information becomes available.

If you’re in Okinawa right now:
Stay safe, prepare early, and take care of your neighbors.