[HIGHLIGHTS] Local governments in the prefecture continue to question the effectiveness of the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear power plant evacuation plan.

Local governments in Niigata Prefecture continue to question the effectiveness of the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear power plant evacuation plan. A briefing session was held in Nagaoka City on evacuation plans and other information in the event of an accident.

The focus is on local consent regarding restarting the plant, but Governor Hanazumi has indicated that he will pay close attention to the government's consideration of countermeasures in the wake of the Noto Peninsula earthquake. A Cabinet Office official said that in theEvent of a serious accident, residents within a 5km radius should, in principle, evacuate immediately.