403
Sorry!!
Error! We're sorry, but the page you were looking for doesn't exist.
Evacuation orders lifted in parts of Fukushima for cherry blossom season
(MENAFN) On Saturday, evacuation orders were lifted in small sections of Tomioka town, located just southwest of the wrecked Fukushima nuclear power plant, in time for the area’s popular cherry blossom season. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida joined a ceremony to mark the reopening, which included an area of about 4 square kilometers (1.5 square miles) where entry restrictions were lifted.
Tomioka town had been largely evacuated since March 2011, when an earthquake and tsunami triggered triple meltdowns at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant. The disaster caused widespread damage and forced the evacuation of tens of thousands of residents from the area. Since then, the government has been working to decontaminate the area and reopen it to former residents.
Former residents and visitors celebrated the latest reopening as they strolled along a street known as “the cherry blossoms tunnel.” Koichi Ono, 75, was back to the neighborhood where he grew up and lived all his life until he was forced to evacuate. “After 12 years, I can finally return to my life here," he told NHK television. “The disaster hit when I was just starting my retirement life, so I'm starting all over again.”
Despite the lifting of evacuation orders, many former residents remain hesitant to return to their homes due to concerns over radiation levels and lack of infrastructure, such as medical facilities and shops. The Japanese government has been working to address these concerns and provide support to those who choose to return.
Ono, who learned indigo and vegetable dying while evacuating, wants to open a workshop to serve as a meeting place for people. “I hope more people come and visit,” he said.
The reopening of Tomioka town is seen as a symbol of progress in the long road to recovery following the Fukushima disaster. While there is still much work to be done, the lifting of evacuation orders and the return of former residents marks an important step forward in the region's recovery efforts.
Tomioka town had been largely evacuated since March 2011, when an earthquake and tsunami triggered triple meltdowns at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant. The disaster caused widespread damage and forced the evacuation of tens of thousands of residents from the area. Since then, the government has been working to decontaminate the area and reopen it to former residents.
Former residents and visitors celebrated the latest reopening as they strolled along a street known as “the cherry blossoms tunnel.” Koichi Ono, 75, was back to the neighborhood where he grew up and lived all his life until he was forced to evacuate. “After 12 years, I can finally return to my life here," he told NHK television. “The disaster hit when I was just starting my retirement life, so I'm starting all over again.”
Despite the lifting of evacuation orders, many former residents remain hesitant to return to their homes due to concerns over radiation levels and lack of infrastructure, such as medical facilities and shops. The Japanese government has been working to address these concerns and provide support to those who choose to return.
Ono, who learned indigo and vegetable dying while evacuating, wants to open a workshop to serve as a meeting place for people. “I hope more people come and visit,” he said.
The reopening of Tomioka town is seen as a symbol of progress in the long road to recovery following the Fukushima disaster. While there is still much work to be done, the lifting of evacuation orders and the return of former residents marks an important step forward in the region's recovery efforts.
Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the
information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept
any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images,
videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information
contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright
issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.
Most popular stories
Market Research
More Story
Comments
No comment