Eight years after the nuclear disaster in Fukushima allowed evacuated residents city again

Okuma, a Japanese city near the Fukushima nuclear plant is now partially habitable. The measured radiation in the city would be at an acceptable level, which according to the local authorities is secure to reside permanently. However, by choosing only a third of the original residents are sure to return.

The town is located about ten kilometers from the nuclear power plant in Fukushima, which in 2011 was damaged after an earthquake and subsequent tsunami. Some 160,000 people from the neighborhood were evacuated, including thousands of people from Okuma. Still is a big part of the environment around the nuclear power plant a restricted area for civilians because of the danger of radiation. A part of Okuma was, however, thoroughly cleaned. So, 40 percent is accessible again declared for the inhabitants.

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Japanese prime minister shinzo Abe lowered on Sunday to Okuma to the lifting of the evacuation officially usher in. According to some skeptics would the Japanese authorities with the reopening want to demonstrate that the country is slowly recovering from the disaster. That message would be especially important with a view to the Olympic Games in 2020 will take place in Tokyo and a lot of tourists to attract.

Little enthusiasm

Nevertheless, many of the former residents of Okuma are not are eager to return to their home city. For the disaster, the city of more than 11,000 inhabitants. Barely 367 of them have re-enrolled in the city, report local media. They could see the city during the day all visit. Only 48 people registered for the night. Especially families with young children would not want to return for fear of the radiation. the

The local authorities hope that the new city hall, that next month will be inaugurated, again residents will attract.