A student support group has started accepting emergency loan and grant applications from students who have been affected by the powerful earthquake that hit Ishikawa and surrounding prefectures.

The Japan Student Services Organization says students whose household finances are severely impacted can receive financial assistance in the middle of the fiscal year.

Affected students who have already taken out loans will be eligible for reductions or delays on repayments.

The organization will provide 100,000 yen, or about 670 dollars, to students whose homes have been severely damaged. Foreign students are eligible.

Applicants need to obtain a certificate issued by municipalities to prove that they are affected by the disaster.

Applications for emergency grants and loans should be made through schools.

People who wish to consult about changing the terms of repayment should contact the organization by phone.

The phone number is 0570-666-301. Calls will be accepted between 9 a.m. and 8 p.m. on weekdays.