The situation in central Japan's Noto Peninsula remains severe more than two weeks after a devastating earthquake and tsunami. Cold weather is expected on Friday in the devastated area, and there are concerns that this could pose health risks to the survivors.

The quake rocked Ishikawa Prefecture and other areas on New Year's Day. More than 200 died, including those who had survived the initial quake.

89-year-old Soto Setsuko was rescued from her collapsed home around 72 hours after the tremor hit. She was conscious when she arrived at a hospital.
But her condition suddenly got worse. She died two days after being rescued.

Her son, Soto Takeshi said, "Rescuers from the fire department in Sakai City, Osaka, saved my mother. I can't express how thankful I am for them. I thought she would have recovered when she received treatment."

Setsuko is believed to have died of crush syndrome, in which toxic substances can accumulate and circulate in the body after being pulled out from under debris.

Ishikawa prefectural government officials say 232 people have been confirmed dead in the prefecture.

Small businesses in Ishikawa have also been affected.
Iwamae Junetsu, a farmer in the town of Noto, had his farming machinery stored in a warehouse that was flooded by the tsunami. Iwamae is worried about the future of his business and said, "I can't farm without agricultural equipment. Now, I have to figure out what I should do next."