The earthquake that struck the Noto Peninsula in central Japan on January 1 has resulted in 26,000 people living in shelters. Due to overcrowding and the lack of access to safe water, some quake-affected areas are at risk of the spread of epidemic diseases, such as digestive and respiratory infections. A shelter in Anamizu of Ishikawa Prefecture is still without water. An official of the shelter said medical workers have been providing medical services to displaced people.