"UN Atomic Watchdog Raises Alarm Over Japan Evacuations"

"SENDAI, Japan -- The UN atomic watchdog said Wednesday radiation in a village outside the evacuation zone around a stricken Japanese nuclear plant was above safe levels, urging that Japan reassess the situation.

In its first such call, the International Atomic Energy Agency added its voice to that of Greenpeace in warning over radioactivity in Iitate village, where the government has already told residents not to drink tap water.
   
Japan has struggled to contain its nuclear emergency since a 14-metre (45-foot) tsunami hit the Fukushima plant after a huge quake on March 11, with radioactive substances entering the air, sea and foodstuffs from the region."

AFP had the story March 30, 2011.

SEE ALSO:

"Japan Under Pressure To Widen Nuclear Evacuation Zone" (Guardian)

"Greenpeace Says Japan Evacuation Zone Too Small" (AFP)

"'Betrayed' Japanese communities might never go home" (Reuters)

Source: AFP, 03/31/2011