Many foreigners on the Noto Peninsula were among those affected by the powerful quake on New Year's day.

The Thai embassy in Japan has started sending food supplies to Ishikawa Prefecture.

Tons of coconut water, Jasmine rice and noodles have been stockpiled in Tokyo... for those who are suffering in the hardest hit areas.

Some of it was donated by Thai food companies in Japan.

A president of one of the companies, Pimjai Matsumoto, said they have retort Jasmine rice that people can eat without cooking. She hopes the rice will make people feel better.

280 cardboard boxes are filled with 2,500 kilos of supplies. Along with food, there is also medicine and sanitary supplies.

Royal Thai Embassy Consul, Achara Chaiyasan said her embassy has heard Covid-19 is spreading and has provided Thai herbal cough remedies to the affected area as well.

More than a thousand Thai residents live in Ishikawa Prefecture. After the quake, some of them contacted their embassy trying to find water. The embassy says most of the information about water supply points is in Japanese only, which can make it difficult for foreigners to access.

Embassy staff also said their nationals who are struggling in the wake of the earthquake would be comforted by food from home.They decided to deliver supplies to Thai residents, cooperating with an NPO that is supporting foreigners in Ishikawa.

But the aid is not just for non-Japanese.

Royal Thai Embassy Charge d'Affaires, Prangtip Kanchanahattakij, said the Embassy cannot limit its assistance to only Thai people, but would help Japanese and other foreigners who were affected by the quake.

She added they want to show their hearts are always with the quake victims.

The Thai supplies are expected to arrive in the earthquake zone Wednesday.