In a part of the difficult-to-return area in Okuma Town, Fukushima Prefecture, where the TEPCO Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant is located, the evacuation order that had continued for more than 11 years was lifted at 9 am on the 30th.
The evacuation order was lifted in the 8.6 square kilometers area around Ono Station on the JR Joban Line, which is 20% of the difficult-to-return area that occupies 60% of the area of Okuma Town. There were about 6,000 people, half of the town's population at that time.
After the nuclear accident, access was severely restricted due to the relatively high radiation dose, but the government has certified it as a specific reconstruction and regeneration base area and decontaminated it in advance.
Half the area of the town still remains a difficult-to-return area
On the 30th, after being informed by the town's disaster prevention radio that the evacuation order had been lifted at 9 am, a patrol departure ceremony was held in front of the station by police and fire departments.
According to the town, there are 2233 households and 5888 people who have registered resident cards in this area, and from December last year, 49 people from 18 households have "prepared accommodation" at home to prepare for the reconstruction of their lives for their return. Is doing.
However, evacuation orders continue while half the area of the town remains a difficult-to-return area, and the issue is how to proceed with the return of residents and new town development.
Jun Yoshida, the mayor of Okuma Town, said, "It took 11 years and 3 months, but I was finally able to come here. However, I think that the cancellation of the evacuation order was not the goal but the starting line. I don't think the club will return to its original state, but I would like to aim to create a compact and distinctive town. "
A couple who has a home in the released area "I'm happy to release it"
Akiyoshi Fushimi (71) and his wife Terusan (69), who have their homes near JR Ono Station in Okuma Town, set out to prepare for their return three years ago from Tamura City, Fukushima Prefecture, to Okuma Town. I moved to a disaster public housing in the district of.
From two years ago, I had been cleaning JR Ono Station every morning, and for 30 days, my husband and wife were cleaning the stairs and railings of the station.
Currently, I am gradually carrying furniture from disaster public housing to my home near the station, and I would like to resume my life as soon as possible.
Akiyoshi said, "I'm glad it was released, but I can't say anything about someone who can't come back."
Terusan said, "I'm relieved to be able to live at home. I'm grateful that I've been decontaminated so far and can go home. I want you to rebuild so that many young people can live." I was talking.