Affected communities in the central Japanese prefecture of Ishikawa are still struggling more than three weeks after the deadly New Year's Day earthquake. Thousands are still living in temporary shelters, lacking running water and in desperate need of aid.

At least 233 people were killed in Ishikawa Prefecture, including 15 disaster-related deaths in the aftermath of the quake. Twenty-two people are still unaccounted for. The tremors laid waste to vast parts of Wajima and other cities along the Noto Peninsula.

Devastated families are dealing with the realities of losing loved ones in a disaster zone.

NHK spoke to a man in Suzu city whose mother and brother were killed when their house collapsed during the earthquake and tsunami.

Funamoto Etsuji said, "The cause of their deaths was being crushed, not drowning. So, I don't think they had to suffer twice. "

Damage in Suzu made performing their funerals impossible, so he drove seven hours to another city with their remains.

He said, "It was the first time we all drove together. I told them, it was our first and last drive."

Meanwhile, those who lived through the worst of the quake are waiting to learn when basic utilities will return.

About 49,000 homes still do not have running water. The earliest it is expected to be restored is late February.

Many communities remain cut off by damaged roads. Areas hit by the quake are also bracing for heavy snowfall, which is expected to begin Tuesday.