In response to the Noto Peninsula earthquake, which caused the collapse of buildings and isolation of villages in a wide area, including the area surrounding the Shika Nuclear Power Plant in Ishikawa Prefecture, the Nuclear Regulation Authority has decided to implement measures to reduce exposure in the event of a nuclear power plant accident. We have set up a study team to discuss how to ``shelter in place'' by staying at home.
The Nuclear Emergency Preparedness Guidelines state that when a serious accident occurs at a nuclear power plant, residents within a 5km radius should, in principle, immediately evacuate, and residents within a 5km to 30km radius should evacuate indoors to their homes or other locations. It is said that evacuation will occur if the radiation dose exceeds a certain value.
However, in response to the Noto Peninsula earthquake in January, which caused a series of collapsed buildings and isolation of villages in a wide area around the Shiga nuclear power plant, the Nuclear Regulation Authority has decided to plan evacuation plans in the event of a nuclear accident. We are discussing how to shelter in place.
Of these, at a meeting of the Nuclear Regulation Authority held on the 27th, a study team including outside experts was set up to discuss how to operate the shelter-in-place policy.
The study team is made up of two members of the regulatory commission, as well as nuclear disaster prevention personnel from the Cabinet Office, officials from local governments where nuclear power plants are located, and outside radiation experts. In addition, we plan to discuss the most effective operation in accordance with the progress of the nuclear power plant accident, and compile a report by the end of fiscal 2024.