Tsunami damamge in Japan. Photo: PAP/EAP/STR"Now we are talking about levels that can impact human health," said Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary, Yukio Edano, of the radiation threat.
Those remaining within a 20km exclusion zone will be resettled until further notice, whilst those living further afield are being asked to remain in their homes.
A no-fly zone has been introduced, to avoid the risk that aircraft might spread radiation.
Assessing the damage500,000 people have been made homeless in Japan since the tsunami struck on 11 March.
The official death toll currently stands at 2,400, but owing to the utter devastation of some coastal areas, and the great difficulties faced by salvage teams on the ground, it is widely expected that the final number will be in the region of 10,000.
Thousands are still missing, including approximately 2,500 foreign travellers.
100,000 Japanese troops are taking part in the aid efforts, joined by teams of international experts.
Polish Perspective
First Secretary of the Polish Embassy in Tokyo, Radoslaw Tyszkiewicz, told Polish Radio that electricity is rationed at present, and that basic foodstuffs are at highly reduced levels.
Whilst he confirmed that essential trips to the Japanese capital are still possible, he notified that to the north of Tokyo, the situation is still unstable and that there are serious problems with communication.
Tyszkiewicz made a further appeal for Poles in Japan to make contact. Yesterday it was revealed that 11 Polish citizens remain unaccounted for, two of whom were in the worst struck region.
(nh/jb)
Source: PAP/BBC