Japan's welfare ministry on Monday will start sending caregivers from across the nation to elderly people's facilities in Ishikawa Prefecture that have been understaffed since a devastating earthquake struck two weeks ago.

The quake disrupted the lives of many caregivers, leaving them unable to work. It also severed the supply of water and electricity, making baths and toilets at many facilities unusable. Such affected facilities are mostly located in the cities of Wajima and Suzu and other municipalities.

Some residents of the facilities were transported to hospitals after their health deteriorated, while others have contracted infectious diseases, such as COVID-19. Some died after the quake even though it remains unclear whether the causes of their deaths are related to the disaster.

Efforts are now underway to move residents of the facilities to alternative places to protect their lives and health. But many residents have been unable to find places that can take them.