Conditions inside Fukushima's melted nuclear reactors still unclear 13 years after disaster struck
Japan commemorates 13th anniversary of devastating earthquake and tsunami with ongoing challenges in Fukushima cleanup.
- Bilawal Riaz
- 1 min read
Japan commemorated the 13th anniversary of the devastating earthquake and tsunami that struck its northern coasts, causing widespread destruction and leading to fears of radiation due to the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant meltdown. The catastrophe, which occurred in 2011, resulted in approximately 20,000 fatalities and the displacement of many residents. Efforts to decontaminate the affected areas have been ongoing, with some progress seen, but challenges remain in the removal of melted nuclear fuel from the damaged reactors. Discharged treated water from the plant has sparked concerns and protests, affecting the fishing industry in the region. The government’s target for complete decommissioning of the plant by 2051 faces uncertainties due to the complexity of the cleanup process and the handling of radioactive materials.