Chinese explaination. Okay. So now that the numbers ARE that high, let's see if the govt moves people out of harm's way....

[link to mdn.mainichi.jp]

Govt may have avoided direct evacuation order to prevent panic

The voluntary evacuation recommendation given to people living in the area 20 to 30 kilometers from the Fukushima No. 1 Nuclear Power Plant was conveyed to affected municipalities the night before the government's announcement to avoid confusion, it has been learned.

The government apparently avoided invoking the Nuclear Disaster Special Measures Law and ordering an evacuation to prevent fear among local residents.

At the same time, the voluntary evacuation recommendation -- which is an extralegal measure -- may be aimed at easing criticism from local residents whose lives had been disrupted living under the prolonged "remain indoors" order.

"An evacuation order will be considered if radiation values that are high and remain high are detected," said the source.


(Mainichi Japan) March 26, 2011