<b>Current Status and Issues of Residents and Areas Affected by the Fukushima Nuclear Disaster after the Lifting of Evacuation Orders</b>

Abstract

This study aims to analyze population and household trends, restoration situation of the living environment, and living conditions of residents in the town center of Namie Town as of August 2019, that is, approximately two and a half years after evacuation orders caused by the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant Accident were lifted. Results are compared with the findings of surveys conducted in September 2017 and September 2018. This study clarifies that the living environment has not been restored to the extent that most disaster victims are able to choose returning, and that returnees are still disaster victims in that they are living in the environment with hardship. Therefore, the Japanese government should (1) examine comprehensively the actual conditions of disaster victims and affected areas and (2) based on the results, enact and implement the Basic Act on Nuclear Emergency Preparedness and Response which stipulates support for the livelihood rehabilitation of disaster victims and restoration of affected areas for a long period of time.