TOKYO, Mar 12 (NNN-NHK) – As Japan moves to push ahead with dumping nuclear-contaminated wastewater from the wrecked Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant into the Pacific Ocean, local residents are expressing their anger and opposition.
Yesterday marked the 12th year after a 9.0-magnitude earthquake hit north-east Japan, which is also known in the country as the Great East Japan Earthquake. On Mar 11, 2011, an ensuing tsunami also led to core meltdowns at the Fukushima power plant, operated by Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO), resulting in a level-7 nuclear accident, the highest on the International Nuclear and Radiological Event Scale.
“The ocean is not a dustbin!” “Do not discharge radioactive-contaminated water into the sea!”
In front of the TEPCO headquarters in Tokyo, a large number of people gathered early yesterday to express their strong opposition to the discharge plan, by holding various banners and signs, or handing out leaflets.
“I am strongly opposed to the discharge. The contaminated water, if stored for 100 years, will be much less radioactive according to its half-life, and there is room for these tanks in Fukushima,” said Makoto Yanagida with Japanese environmental organisation Tanpoposya, holding a placard.– NNN-NHK
