The Japanese government plans to earmark part of its reserve funds to reinforce the provision of relief supplies to areas hit by Monday's devastating earthquake.

The Cabinet of Prime Minister Kishida Fumio is expected to approve next week a plan to spend around 4 billion yen, or more than 27 million dollars, from the reserves for the current fiscal year through March.

The government also plans to tap into the reserves of its proposed budget for the next fiscal year to support restoration efforts in the quake-stricken areas.

The government will continue search-and-rescue operations even though the crucial 72-hour mark passed on Thursday afternoon. Experts say the chance of survival in a disaster drops substantially after the first 72 hours.

Kishida said at a news conference on Thursday that he will work hard so people in the disaster areas can lead a peaceful life again.

Kishida will likely ask for non-partisan cooperation to deal with the quake's aftermath during a meeting of the ruling and opposition party leaders on Friday.