New Govt nuclear disaster office

September 20, 2014

Govt. to set up new nuclear disaster relief office

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

Sep. 20, 2014 - Updated 21:14 UTC+2

The Japanese government plans to create a dedicated nuclear disaster relief office next month to help local authorities draw up evacuation plans.

A Cabinet Office team reviewing the Nuclear Regulation Authority has proposed appointing dozens of full-time workers to the job.

The new office would replace a group of about 80 officials assigned to work on nuclear disaster preparation. All of them also work for other ministries and agencies.

Some officials who work for the industry ministry traveled to Kagoshima Prefecture this month following a decision by nuclear regulators.

The regulators said measures for the Sendai power plant compiled by its operator meet new government regulations, in a decision that could pave the way for the operator to restart reactors.

Local authorities are calling for support from the national government, as new regulations require them to draw up evacuation plans for wider areas than before.