Survivors of the New Year's Day earthquake in Japan's central region of Hokuriku are bracing for a severe cold spell that could bring heavy snowfall.

Weather officials are warning the most powerful cold air mass of the season is approaching the Sea of Japan coast including the Noto Peninsula that was devastated by the magnitude 7.6 tremor.

They say up to 80 centimeters of snow is expected in the 24 hours through Wednesday afternoon. The snow could further damage homes and buildings in the area.

People who survived other major earthquakes are offering assistance to restore the economy in the region.

A sake brewery in Noto town was heavily damaged by tsunami shortly after the quake.

Up in the northeastern prefecture of Miyagi, another brewery has volunteered to handle its final stage of production and bottle its sake.

The operators say they recovered from damage in the 2011 quake and tsunami thanks to support from across the nation and now it is their turn to help.

Sugihara Kentaro of Niizawa Sake Brewery said, "It's painful if a brewery is unable to produce sake after so much time and effort preparing for it. As a fellow brewery, we would like to be of any help."

The brewery in Noto is pledging to make a comeback.

Kazuma Kaichiro of Kazuma Sake Brewery said, "We wish to move forward little by little, with the hope of bringing our sake to customers again."

Volunteer activities have been essential to helping survivors in previous disasters in Japan. The Ishikawa prefectural government has been asking people not to come as roads and other infrastructure remain unsafe. On Tuesday, the governor said parts of the area are ready to accept volunteers.

Hase Hiroshi said, "I'd appreciate it if people can help remove debris and collect valuables from damaged houses. But they have to extremely be cautious and put their safety first."

The governor says three municipalities including Nanao City will be accepting volunteers from this weekend. He says he is considering allowing people to help in other areas after examining the needs from each city and town.