Itaka evacuation plans inadequate, mayors say

November 8, 2015

Mayors think evacuation plan is inadequate

http://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/english/news/20151108_16.html

Nov. 8, 2015 - Updated 15:09 UTC+1

An NHK survey shows local leaders are not satisfied with the evacuation plan for a possible accident at the Ikata nuclear power plant in Ehime Prefecture, western Japan.

NHK asked the mayors of the 18 municipalities in Oita Prefecture about the plan drawn up by Ehime officials. The nuclear plant sits on the tip of a peninsula on a narrow channel between the Shikoku and Kyushu regions.

Under the plan, residents of the peninsula would be evacuated to Oita by ship, and municipalities would provide food, shelter and medical care for the evacuees.

Twelve of the 18 mayors said the plan was not well thought out.

Eight said they wouldn't be able to accept evacuees if a nuclear accident and a huge earthquake occur at the same time.

Thirteen of the respondents said Ehime Prefecture and the plant's operator, Shikoku Electric Power Company, need to explain the safety measures and procedures for restarting the reactor.

Saiki Mayor Yasuyoshi Nishijima said his city is expected to suffer the worst damage in the prefecture from a massive quake. He argued that if a nuclear accident and a quake occur simultaneously, the city cannot deal with the evacuees. He said Oita Prefecture is likely to put priority on helping its residents, adding that he will discuss the matter with the other mayors.