SUZU: A woman in her 90s trapped for five days under rubble caused by a huge earthquake in central Japan was rescued against the odds, but snow and storms were further complicating relief efforts on Sunday.

At least 128 people died in the magnitude-7.5 tremor on New Year`s Day and its aftershocks a toll that is sure to rise, with 195 others reported missing, according to local authorities.

The shockwaves toppled buildings, sparked a major fire and triggered tsunami waves over a metre high on the Sea of Japan side of the main island of Honshu. The hope of finding survivors usually fades three days after a destructive quake.

But an elderly woman spent five days under the wreckage of a collapsed house in the city of Suzu on the hard-hit Noto Peninsula before being saved on Saturday. She was taken to hospital and was able to hold a conversation, according to public broadcaster NHK.

`Hang in there!` rescuers were heard calling to the woman in police footage from the rainy scene published by local media. `You`re gonna be OK!` they shouted.

`Stay positive!`-AFP