More than 100,000 survivors of the earthquakes that have hit the Chuetsu region in Niigata Prefecture have had to take shelter in schools and vehicles.

It will take some time before their lives can return to normal as many houses have been destroyed, and water and gas have yet to be restored.

To help the victims, local governments, the Japanese Red Cross Society and convenience stores nationwide are setting up relief funds and asking people to do volunteer work.