Fukushima residents torn about returning, six years after March 11 disaster

Record ID: 401475

  • Title: Fukushima residents torn about returning, six years after March 11 disaster
  • Date: 8th March 2017
  • Summary: NAMIE TOWN, FUKUSHIMA PREFECTURE, JAPAN (FEBRUARY 28, 2017) (REUTERS) TSUNAMI-WRECKED COASTAL AREA OF NAMIE CONSTRUCTION NEAR TSUNAMI-WRECKED UKEDO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL NAMIE TOWN, FUKUSHIMA PREFECTURE, JAPAN (MARCH 1, 2017) (REUTERS) EMPTY HALLWAY OF UKEDO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL VARIOUS OF UKEDO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PRINCIPAL, CHIEKO OYAMA, WALKING VARIOUS OF OYAMA WALKING IN THE TE
  • Embargoed: 22nd March 2017 00:56
  • Keywords: Fukushima tsunami earthquake nuclear power plant evacuation order
  • Location: TOKYO, NAMIE TOWN, FUKUSHIMA PREFECTURE, JAPAN
  • City: TOKYO, NAMIE TOWN, FUKUSHIMA PREFECTURE, JAPAN
  • Country: Japan
  • Topics: Disaster/Accidents,Earthquakes/Volcanoes/Tsunami
  • Reuters ID: LVA001673M7UV
  • Aspect Ratio: 16:9
  • Story Text: Once a month, school principal Chieko Oyama visits tsunami-wrecked Ukedo elementary, located on the coast of Namie town, Fukushima.
    It was there where a 10-metre (33 feet) high wave caused by a magnitude-9 earthquake struck, swept away everything in its path six years ago on March 11 2011.
    Inside the classrooms are clocks that stopped around the time the tsunami hit the school.
    Namie officials are set to lift the evacuation order on March 31 on an area within Namie that includes the school, but it's unlikely Ukedo will ever reopen, given the extent of the damage.
    Oyama, who's currently living in Nihonmatsu city, two hours' drive away from Namie, visits to check up on her school and take photos, in the hopes of persuading officials to preserve it in its current state instead of mowing it down.
    "I want children to see the intensity, strength, and the terror of tsunamis, but I also want them to visit the school and see for themselves what we had to overcome to be where we are now," Oyama said, adding that she has yet to decide whether to move back.
    The tsunami in March 2011 swept away houses and local businesses, killing more than 15,000 people, and triggered a nuclear meltdown at three reactors at Tokyo Electric Power's (Tepco) Fukushima plant. About 160,000 people fled their homes after the meltdowns caused explosions that dumped radioactive materials across a swathe of Fukushima prefecture.
    Namie's 21,542 residents, including Oyama, were given a mandatory evacuation order by the Japanese government due to radiation levels soon after the disaster.
    The lifting of the evacuation order will see about 15,294 being allowed to return, but some have already done so.
    Munehiro Asada owns multiple businesses in Namie, including a bridal and wedding service shop, and a timber factory. He says he is keen to continue life in Namie even though profits after the disaster have dropped significantly.
    "If no one's here, everyone will be discouraged and say they can't do it. If they see someone trying, though, I think they'll say to themselves, 'I'll try it out myself too'," Asada said.
    Despite the scars of the disaster, Namie is showing signs of optimism. In the area where the evacuation order will be lifted, a makeshift food court has been built near the town hall and visitors can enjoy local dishes and buy souvenirs.
    Namie town mayor Tamotsu Baba says in order for the town to survive, a push forward is necessary.
    "We decided to restart the city so we need to stick with it and work hard," he said.
    However, some former residents say they will not be returning.
    Sushi chef Yasuo Fujita had his own restaurant in Namie before the disaster. He evacuated in 2011, abandoning his old restaurant and opening a new one in Tokyo with his family to begin a new life.
    "There are still a lot of people who evacuated, but for me I can't go back. I have my restaurant here, and I have a new home, and I have a new cemetery for my ancestors. I may visit once or twice a year, but I definitely can't live there again," Fujita said.
    Regardless of the evacuation order lift, there's still a long way to go for Namie. Roads and houses have yet to be fixed and contaminated dirt in black bags are a common sight.
    About 18 percent of Namie evacuees say they immediately or eventually want to return, while 53 percent say they won't be going back, according to a survey conducted by Namie town. About 30 percent remain undecided, the survey adds.
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