28 Feb 2014

Fukushima students visit Marshalls for nuke test anniversary

3:00 pm on 28 February 2014

Japanese students are visiting the Marshall Islands this week to mark the 60th anniversary of radioactive fallout from the Bravo hydrogen bomb test at Bikini Atoll.

The students, from Fukushima, will share their concerns about nuclear contamination from the Daiichi nuclear power plant.

In March 2011, an earthquake and tsunami severely damaged the power plant, causing a meltdown and ongoing radiation exposure.

Marshall Islanders have launched a week-long commemoration of the 15-megaton nuclear test that caused widespread nuclear exposure, severe health problems for islanders, and evacuations.

The Japanese students say their families are facing similar problems with fears of radiation exposure and uncertainties about the future.

The students will attend a series of workshops and meet Marshall Islands nuclear test survivors.