Foreign and Military Affairs
China to evacuate citizens from Japan quake areas
Updated: 2011-03-15 20:08
(Xinhua)
TOKYO -- China's embassy in Japan on Tuesday called for an orderly evacuation of Chinese nationals from the areas worst hit by the catastrophic earthquake and ensuing damage to nuclear reactors.
The Chinese embassy has been making an all-out effort to rescue and help Chinese citizens affected by Friday's massive earthquake and resulting devastating tsunami, it said in an urgent notice posted on its website.
"We hope our compatriots in the worst-hit disaster areas remain calm, listen to instructions, understand and cooperate with the evacuation operation," the embassy said.
The embassy in Tokyo and the Chinese consulate in Niigata would send buses to four areas in Miyagi, Fukushima, Ibaraki and Iwate prefectures to pick up Chinese nationals and help them return home, according to the notice.
Earlier in the day, the Japanese government said levels of radiation released by damaged reactors at the quake-stricken Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant were high enough to threaten human health.
Four of the complex's six reactors have been damaged by explosions. Japan's nuclear safety agency has urged residents living around the nuclear power plant to stay indoors and avoid exposure to possible radioactive substances.
Specials
Earthquake Hits Japan
A massive 8.8 magnitude quake hit the northeast coast of Japan on March 11,2011.
NPC & CPPCC sessions
Lawmakers and political advisers gather in Beijing to discuss major issues.
Pictures: quake aftermath
A massive earthquake hit Japan hard, leaving thousands dead.