Volunteers have started helping out in areas in central Japan that were hit by the powerful New Year's Day earthquake.

In the town of Shika on Saturday, some sorted through pieces of broken furniture and tableware items.

One volunteer who is participating in the efforts said his heart aches when he sees things that remind him of the people who lived there. He vowed to do his best to help out in the affected areas.

Coordinators in Ishikawa Prefecture are hoping that more volunteers will come, as evacuation centers are understaffed and need as much help as they can get.