Last of hotspot advisories to be lifted

 December 20, 2014

Govt. to lift last 'hot spot' evacuation advisory

Dec. 21, 2014 - Updated 04:32 UTC+1

http://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/english/news/20141221_11.html

The Japanese government is set to lift the last of its evacuation advisories in Fukushima Prefecture for so-called "hot spots" with high radiation levels.

Officials are expected to convey the decision to the residents of Minamisoma City on Sunday.

The decision would affect 152 households in the city, located about 20 kilometers from the disabled Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant.

Authorities issued the hot-spot advisories 3 years ago for individual houses. They are separate from evacuation zones, which remain in force.

The government earlier planned to lift the hot spot designation in Minamisoma by the end of October, saying radiation levels have gone below its standards.

But the plan met opposition from residents who complained the area was not yet safe for living in.

Government officials say they have since gained the understanding of local governments. They say they have decided to lift the advisories on December 28th.

Some residents are still concerned about radiation levels. Officials say if requested they will continue the decontamination work that is currently underway.

They also say residents will continue to receive monthly compensation of about 835 dollars from Tokyo Electric Power Company until March next year for their stress and suffering.