Nahara: Go back or not go back?

 April 22, 2014

Fukushima evacuees discuss whether to go back home

http://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/english/news/20140422_22.html

Residents of a town in Fukushima Prefecture who fled the accident at Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant in March 2011 are considering whether to go back home.

Officials of Naraha have begun hosting town meetings to discuss return, now that the government has finished removing radioactive material from living areas.

The first meeting was held on Monday in Iwaki city, where 80 percent of the town's residents have evacuated.
About 60 people took part in the event.

Officials explained that radiation in residential areas of Naraha has dropped by half from pre-decontamination levels. It's now at 0.44 microsieverts per hour, and a municipal panel of experts has judged the town livable.

They also reported that a makeshift shopping mall has been built in the town for returnees.

But many residents were wary. One person said it's too early to go back as radiation levels remain high in other parts of the town. Another asked the officials not to rush and to make careful decisions.

The town plans to hold meetings inside and outside Fukushima Prefecture through May 2nd.

Mayor Yukiei Matsumoto said the town will listen carefully to what residents have to say, and make sure their lives can be rebuilt whether or not they decide to return.

Apr. 22, 2014 - Updated 06:32 UTC