Nuclear accident response plan revised

Japan's Nuclear Safety Commission has decided to expand the areas that should take extensive nuclear accident safety measures.

The decision on Tuesday is a response to the accident at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant in March.

The new plan expands the areas to implement protective measures for nuclear accidents to a 30-kilometer radius around nuclear plants. Currently, they are limited to a 8 to 10-kilometer radius.

It also designates areas within about 5 kilometers of nuclear plants as precautionary zones, where residents must evacuate immediately in the event of a nuclear accident.

The plan reflects guidelines set by the International Atomic Energy Agency.

The NSC's working group also noted the government should undertake anti-radiation exposure measures for residents within a 50- kilometer radius. These measures would include the distribution of iodine tablets to prevent radiation poisoning of the thyroid gland.

The number of municipalities needing protective measures will increase threefold.

Tuesday, November 01, 2011 19:04 +0900 (JST)