Transcript YALE TULANE ESF-8 PLANNING AND RESPONSE PROGRAM …

YALE/TULANE ESF-8 PLANNING AND RESPONSE PROGRAM SPECIAL REPORT
(JAPAN EARTHQUAKE AND TSUNAMI)
BACKGROUND
CURRENT SITUATION
GOVERNMENT OF JAPAN
JAPANESE RED CROSS
US RESPONSE
UN RESPONSE
A 9.0 magnitude earthquake hit
Japan, unleashing a tsunami.
OTHER ORGANIZATIONS
HEALTH
PSYCHOLOGICAL IMPACT
SHELTER
LOGISTICS & TRANSPORTATION
FUKUSHIMA NUCLEAR ACCIDENT
KEY LINKS
GOVERNMENT OF JAPAN
http://www.kantei.go.jp
INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
RELIEFWEB
UNICEF
International Nuclear Safety Center
International Atomic Energy Agency
Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System
WHO
US GOVERNMENT ORGANIZATIONS
The Department of State
U.S Embassy in Japan
State Dept.'s DipNote on Twitter
State Dept. Background Note
U.S. Agency for International Development
OFDA
Library of Congress Country Study - Japan
CIA World Fact Book
The Department of Defense
Pacific Command
7th Fleet
Yokota Air Base, Japan
The Department of Homeland Security
The Department of Health and Human Services
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
CDC- Tsunami
CDC-Earthquake
CDC-Radiation Emergencies
EPA
FEMA Blog
US Geological Survey
NOAA Center for Tsunami Research
NOAA Pacific Tsunami Warning Center
PORTALS AND RESOURCES
All Partners Access Network (APAN)
Japan Disaster Wiki
CATDAT and Earthquake Reports
GDACS
Center of Excellence – Disaster Management Humanitarian Assistance
Earthquake Research Institute, University of Tokyo
National Center for Disaster Medicine and Public Health
Google Crisis Resources
LIBRARY
National Medical Library – Japan Earthquake
Disaster Information Management Research Center
Radiation Emergency Medical Management
AS OF 0800 HRS EDT
1 APRIL 2011
JAPAN EARTHQUAKE AND TSUNAMI
BACKGROUND
EARTHQUAKE AND TSUNAMI
•
On 11 Mar 2011 05:46 UTC, a 9.0 magnitude earthquake struck 400km north-east of Tokyo
off the coast of Japan, triggering a tsunami that flattened parts of the northeast coastline.
The waves were as high as 15 meters in the worst affected areas, destroyed everything in
their path, and went 6 km inland.
•
The earthquake’s hypocenter was 24.4 kilometers deep (shallow; most dangerous).The 9.0
magnitude makes it the fourth largest in the world since 1900 and the largest in Japan since
modern instrumental recordings began 130 years ago.
•
Worst-affected areas are the prefectures (states) of Miyagi, Fukushima, Iwate, Yamagata,
Ibaraki, Chiba, Akita and Aomori. The tsunami caused severe damage along 600 km of
northeast coastal regions.
•
The population in these areas before the disaster was estimated at over 14.8 million people, of
which 1.6 million lived within 5 km of the coast. Areas near the coastal city of Sendai in Miyagi
prefecture were the hardest hit, and had a population of some 1 million people.
•
The initial tsunami was reportedly as high as 33 feet at the port of Sendai, the prefecture
capital located some 180 miles (300 km) from Tokyo and 128 km from the epicenter. The JMA
reported that the highest tsunami wave was more than 49 feet high in Mekawa, Miyagi.
•
According to the Geospatial Information Authority and the UN, the tsunami inundated 400
km2 in four prefectures (an area equivalent to 20% of the area of Tokyo). About 190 out of 300
km of waterfront in Iwate, Miyagi and Fukushima was partially or entirely destroyed.
DEATH AND DESTRUCTION
•
The earthquake and tsunami have resulted in a death toll of 11,532 with an additional 16,351
missing
•
Approximately 173,200 people are sheltering in over 2,000 evacuation centers, mostly in the
north of Japan. The number of evacuees has dropped significantly due to more accurate
reporting and some returning to homes, though without electricity or water
•
Police expect the number of deaths to rise further as there appear to be entire families missing
and no one left to file reports.
•
The natural disasters also damaged or destroyed more than 24,000 buildings and 2,126 roads.
OCHA Sit Rep 15: 30 March 2011
WHO-WPRO SitRep No. 21: 30 March 2011
USAID Fact Sheet #13: 24 March 2011
US Geological Survey
NOAA Center for Tsunami Research
CATDAT AND EARTHQUAKE-REPORT.COM
SITUATION
EMERGENCY RESPONSE
• While basic needs for food, water, toiletries and medicines are being met,
more sustainable solutions are being sought. Priority needs are fuel,
prefabricated housing, clothing and medicine. Coordination and logistics
remain problematic.
• Rain, snow storms and sub-freezing overnight temperatures are expected to
continue through 1 April. The weather, lack of fuel, amount of debris, and
damaged roads hampers delivery of aid to many smaller evacuation centers;
relief items are being delivered on foot in some places.
• Aftershocks are less frequent, but aftershocks of 7.0 magnitude or higher
could still occur and trigger more tsunami.
• Authorities are trying to consolidate the number of shelters and provide
children and the elderly with better access to services. Many do not want to
relocate because they are still searching for family members. Relocation is
also difficult for the elderly and those who have moved several times already.
• Some of the 2,000 evacuation centers are in large government buildings
such as schools and sports stadiums, but hundreds more are in unofficial
shelters such as houses with <30 evacuees.
•
Construction has begun on temporary housing and the Government of
Japan (GoJ) is planning to make public housing available to evacuees. The
GOJ plans to have 30,000 houses built by 16 May.
OCHA SitRep No. 15: 30 March 2011
WHO-WPRO SitRep No. 21: 30 March 2011
COE Update: 28 March 2011
U.S. Embassy Tokyo News Update: 28 March 2011
SITUATION
GAS - Slow improvement: some 330,00 households remain without gas supply.
FOOD - The Emergency Disaster Response Headquarters estimates 12.5 million
meals have been delivered to evacuation centers and hospitals to date. ~830,000
meals were delivered on 28 March. This does not include distribution of food items
by municipalities, NGOs, private sector, and Japan’s Self Defense Force.
FUEL
•
88 % of gasoline, diesel and kerosene shipments have resumed to the
Tohoku region, however there is still a serious fuel shortage. The number
of operating fuel stations is limited, while the number of emergency vehicles
requiring fuel is increasing.
•
The GoJ says 11,257,000 liters of fuel have been delivered to affected areas as
of 30 March. 29,000 liters are in transit.
WATER
•
•
Water supply has improved about 25%. As of 30 March, approximately 372,000
households remain without water in nine prefectures, compared to over 652,254
households on 27 March. In the worst affected areas, it may be a month before
water is restored.
The Emergency Disaster Response Headquarters reports that approximately 4.8
million bottles of water have been delivered to evacuation centers.
ELECTRICITY - As of 30 March, approximately 190,000 households remain without
power, mostly in the Tohoku Region.
COMMUNICATIONS - More than 90% of telecommunications has been restored,
but some 118,927 telephone lines remain out of service. 2,046 mobile service base
stations remain down. Some mobile companies provide free satellite phone, cell
phone and charger as well as disaster messaging services.
SEWAGE – Sewage treatment plants and sewer lines were damaged or destroyed
throughout the quake area. It is unclear how long it will take to repair the systems.
According to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, 15 sewage
systems are damaged or not functioning in Iwate, 59 in Miyagi, and 14 in Fukushima.
This is a slight improvement in Iwate and Fukushima.
DEBRIS - In Miyagi, debris is estimated at 15 to 18 million tons; equivalent to 23
years worth of waste for the prefecture. It has capacity to dispose of 0.8 million tons
per year. Authorities say it will take three years to remove all the debris, not
including cars and boats. GoJ plans to cover most of the removal costs.
EDUCATION – The academic year starts in April, but ~1,700 public schools (70%)
have been damaged in the three most affected prefectures. Many schools and
universities are still being used as evacuation centers.
OCHA SitRep No. 15: 30 March 2011
WHO-WPRO SitRep No. 20: 29 March 2011
RADIATION CONTAMINATION
• The International Atomic Energy Agency says the situation at the Fukushima plant
remains serious. A Joint FAO/IAEA Food Safety Assessment Team met with
authorities on 28 March to monitor the contamination levels in food and agricultural
products.
• Radioactive water found in and outside reactor building is delaying work to restore
cooling functions of the Fukushima plant.
• Seawater surrounding the plant has reached a much higher level of radiation than
previously reported. Samples report I-131 levels at 3,355 times the legal limit.
Japan’s Nuclear Safety Agency says this does not pose a health risk. The MHLW
expressed the need to study the long-term impact it may have on marine life.
• I-131 levels exceeding acceptable limits for infants was found in tap water in
Saitama, Ibaraki, Tochigi and Chiba Prefectures. Authorities of Tochigi Prefecture
and the cities of Hitachi and Kasama in Ibaraki Prefecture have advised against
using tap water for babies.
• The authorities in Saitama have not issued this warning, as the measured values
have decreased.
• Radioactive materials exceeding Japan’s legal limits were found in 11 types of
vegetables grown in Fukushima Prefecture as well as in the water there. The GoJ
has ordered residents not to consume or sell the vegetables, or drink tap water or
milk there. Seafood is being monitored in Ibaraki and Chiba prefectures.
WHO-WPRO SitRep No. 21 30 March 2011
USAID Fact Sheet #13: 24 March 2011
SITUATION
HEALTH
• People continue to face cold temperatures with insufficient heating, including
in the evacuation centers. Hypothermia has been reported, particularly
among the elderly.
• Around 60% of the evacuation centers have patients who need immediate
psychosocial support.
CURRENT ASSESSMENT
NOTE: Assessment estimates are for the impacted areas. The overall infrastructure outside of the
affected areas remains strong.
G
R
A
Not a Major Concern
Currently
B
Generally
Ineffective
Working But
Inadequate
Non-Functional
Or Destroyed
Unknown
MEDICAL OPERATIONS AND PUBLIC HEALTH
• Some 346 elderly people and people with disabilities in evacuation centers
have been moved to special facilities (e.g. nursing homes). Possible standby
beds in special facilities include: 35,557 beds for elderly, 48,756 beds for
people with disabilities, 7,148 beds for children with disabilities. Additionally,
919 beds are available in shelters.
• As of 26 March, 52 deaths in shelters have been reported, particularly among
the elderly.
DRINKING WATER
• In Fukushima Prefecture, the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare (MHLW)
has advised against drinking tap water in Iitate Village. The restriction
continues.
•
JAPAN
R
R
A
A
R
A
R
R
R
R
PUBLIC HEALTH
As of 30 March tap water from Date City, Tsukitate Small-Scale Water
Supply Utility and Iwaki City, Water Supply Utility in Fukushima Prefecture.
cannot be used for infant feeding.
FOOD SAFETY On 31 March, radioactivity in 25 of 76 food samples exceeded
the provisional regulation values. Of the total 699 food samples that have
been tested to date,124 food samples from Chiba, Fukushima, Gunma, Ibaraki,
Tochigi, Tokyo exceeded the provisional regulation values.
JAPAN
R
R
A
R
R
A
A
R
OVERALL PH/MEDICAL ASSESSMENT
OCHA Sit Rep 15: 30 March 2011
WHO-WPRO SitRep No. 21: 30 March 2011
B
R
GOVERNMENT OF JAPAN RESPONSE
COORDINATION
• The GoJ’s Emergency Management agencies are leading the response
through the Emergency Response Team, headed by Prime Minister Naoto
Kan.
• The Tokyo Metropolitan Government announced that it will deploy about
1,000 officials to Miyagi and Iwate to reinforce prefectural government
offices involved in emergency response. The Metropolitan Government is
planning to station at least 100 officers per day in the affected prefectures
from 2 April until at least mid May to provide non-emergency services and
manage evacuation centers.
LIVELIHOODS - Over 22,700 people (18,201 in Miyagi, 3,282 in Iwate and
1,243 in Fukushima) have gone to local employment offices for jobs and
benefits. Prefectural governments say the roughly 800,000 displaced
workers should be given priority for construction and debris removal work.
ELECTRICITY & GAS
• The GoJ says it will spend US$209.9 million (JPY1.7 billion) to solve the
fuel shortage in the affected areas.
• The GoJ says 11,257,000 liters of fuel has been delivered to the affected
areas to date. Another 29,000 liters is in transit. Approximately 1 million
liters arrived in the affected areas on 28 March.
SHELTER
• The GoJ plans to have 30,000 houses built in the next two months.
• The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries is looking at available
accommodation in Japan’s fishing and farming villages, where the
population has decreased in recent years. The Ministry is collecting
detailed information from local municipalities in order to make an allocation
plan.
HEALTH & MEDICAL CARE
•The MHLW has coordinated the deployment of doctors, pharmacists, social
workers, dentists, care managers, child welfare and psychological specialists
from various medical institutions to Iwate (more than 49 teams), Miyagi (more
than 92 teams) and Fukushima (more than 3 teams).
•31 Japan Red Cross Society teams, 63 Japan Medical Association teams, and
seven teams from All Japan Hospital Association are also operational in the
affected areas.
WASH - The Emergency Disaster Response Headquarters reports that
approximately 4.8 million bottles of water have been delivered to evacuation
centers in the affected areas so far.
FOOD - The Emergency Disaster Response Headquarters reports that an
estimated 12.5 million meals have been delivered to evacuation centers and
hospitals in the affected areas to date. Approximately 830,000 meals were
delivered on 28 March. The figure does not include distribution of food items by
municipalities, NGOs, private sector, and Japan’s Self Defense Force.
AGRICULTURE - The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries says
24,000 hectares out of 900,900 hectares of agricultural land in Iwate, Miyagi,
Fukushima, Ibaraki, Chiba and Aomori have been damaged by the tsunami. In
the most affected prefectures of Iwate, Miyagi and Fukushima, nearly 23,000
hectares flooded; 3,000 hectares more than the earlier estimate. Miyagi
accounts for more than 15,000 hectares of the damages. 42 per cent of its
agricultural land on the coastal areas was submerged.
NOTE:
People who are able to live in their homes still require assistance as
they have no access to food, water and basic supplies; these are
largely delivered to major evacuation centers and shelters.
WHO-WPRO SitRep No. 21: 30 March 2011
OCHA SitRep No. 15 - 30 March 2011
JAPANESE RED CROSS SOCIETY
• Japanese Red Cross Society (JRCS) staff and volunteers are providing emergency relief,
medical support and psychosocial support to many vulnerable communities across Iwate,
Miyagi, and Fukushima prefectures.
• JRCS reported that many of the thousands of evacuees are now getting three meals a day but
are still in need of non-food items.
• JRCS is concerned about the psychological well-being of the affected populations, especially
of children. They assigned trained psychosocial support providers (PSP) to almost all
deployed medical teams. The national society has 2,369 nurses trained to provide PSP
services. In addition, some PSP teams were deployed to conduct assessments in the affected
areas and support medical teams in conducting health checks. There are shortages of
medicine for the treatment of chronic medical conditions.
• The JRCS has received over US$400 million in financial support.
• JRCS in-country capacity: 47 branches, each equipped with special equipment to with nuclear,
biological, or chemical disasters, 92 Red Cross hospitals, 66 Blood centers; 26 nursing
colleges, 60,000 permanent staff (50,000 working for Red Cross hospitals), 495 deployable
medical teams; 2 million registered volunteers.
• As of 28 March, JRCS has deployed 397 medical missions involving more than 2,400 staff
members. The JRCS teams staff mobile clinics serving more remote and hard-to-reach areas.
The JRCS domestic emergency response unit (DERU) assisted in the evacuation of injured
victims by helicopters to hospitals.
• A Family Links web site has been opened in cooperation with ICRC (in Japanese, English,
Chinese, Korean, Portuguese, and Spanish). As of 28 March, 5,619 people have been
registered: http://www.familylinks.icrc.org/eng/familylinks-japan
• A total of 125,530 blankets, 25,146 emergency kits (composed of portable radio, flashlight,
wrapping cloth, booklet on emergency health care) and 11,000 sleeping kits (composed of a
sleeping mat, pillow, eye-cover, earplug, slippers, socks) have been distributed.
Photo: Japanese Red Cross
NOTE:
Evacuees have been enduring bitterly cold
weather with several sleet and snow storms.
These conditions have also hampered emergency
relief efforts. Priority needs are fuel, prefabricated
houses, sanitation materials, clothing, medicines
and household appliances. Fuel (for heating and
transport) is critical. About half of the service
stations are closed; many of the half that are
open are only serving emergency and other
priority vehicles.
• In order to reinforce and mobilize the network of volunteers, volunteer centers have been
established at the headquarters of JRCS, and 4 branches in the affected prefectures.
JRCS Emergency Relief 3: 23 March 2011
IFRC Info Bulletin 5: 28 March 2011
UNITED STATES RESPONSE
• The USAID team is working to manage the overall USG response
effort in Japan in coordination with the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo.
• The DART continues to engage at three levels to determine any possible
humanitarian needs in Japan: nationally through Japan’s Ministry of Foreign
Affairs, locally at the prefecture level and in coordination with U.S. ForcesJapan, and through Japanese civil society organizations.
• U.S. experts from the NRC, Department of Energy, Department of Health
and Human Services and the U.S. military are in place in Japan,
cooperating directly with Japanese authorities to help contain the damage
at the Fukushima Daiichi reactors. They are monitoring technical aspects
and engaging with Japanese officials on efforts to cool the reactors at
Fukushima, as well as regarding the health impacts of radiation.
•
U.S. Government officials are consulting with health experts and radiation
experts, in both the United States and Japan, and are continuously
monitoring tap water samples for radioactive iodine. In accordance with
guidelines that apply to water in the US, and based on analysis of tap
water samples for radioactive iodine on 24 March, the water in Tokyo is
safe for drinking.
•
USG Funding Announced and Committed as of 31 March 2011::
- USAID/OFDA Assistance =$6,825,286
- Department of Defense (DoD) Humanitarian Assistance = $63,051,000
- Total USAID and DoD Assistance for the Earthquake and Tsunami =
$69,876,286.
MESSAGES FROM US EMBASSY - JAPAN
•
March 29 Update from Ambassador Roos (Video Update)
•
(Posted 29 March) The U.S. Embassy is continuing to make
potassium iodide (KI) available to U.S. citizens who have not been
able to obtain it from their physicians, employers, or other sources. It
is not recommend that anyone take KI at this time, as there can be
side effects from the drug. It should only be taken on the advice of
emergency management or public health officials, or your doctor. For
more information about KI, see this fact sheet from the Centers for
Disease Control, or contact your doctor.
• (Posted March 25, 9 a.m. JST) The United States Government
advises American citizens that, in accordance with guidelines that
apply to water in the United States and based on analysis of tap water
samples for I-131 on March 24, 2011, the water in Tokyo is safe for
drinking.
COE Japan Update 28 March 2011
U.S. Embassy Tokyo News Update: 29 March 2011
U.S. Embassy Tokyo News Update: 28 March 2011
USAID Fact Sheet #13: 24 March 2011
U.S. Embassy Tokyo News Update: 28 March 2011
U.S. Embassy Tokyo News Update: 28 March 2011
UNITED STATES RESPONSE
(DOD-OPERATION TOMODACHI)
Dubbed Operation Tomodachi -- Japanese for "friendship" -- U.S. military assets
mobilizing in the area include a wide range of equipment, air, sea, and ground
capability and expertise.
U.S. Air Force
• PACAF has generated 317 sorties moving 1,154 passengers and more than 2602.1 short
tons (5,736,648 lbs) of cargo in support of Japan Relief Efforts.
• Number of AF Personnel deployed in support of relief operations: 732
• Number of PACAF aircraft deployed in support of relief operations: 25
• PACAF generated 7 sorties and moved 9.4 short tons (20,723 lbs) of cargo.
• 3 USAF HH-60s, 1 C-12, and 1UH-1N flew search and rescue missions
• USAF C-17 delivered 9.4. short tons (water truck) Misawa to Kunsan to Yokota
Marines position humanitarian assistance and
disaster relief supplies on the flight deck of the
forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS
Essex (LHD 2). U.S. Navy
U.S. Army
• The U.S. Army Japan band flew to Sendai to begin rehearsals with the North East Army
Band in preparation for their tour of relief shelters throughout the Sendai area. They hope
to lift the spirits of the displaced Japanese citizens who have been thrust from their
homes since the devastating earthquake and tsunami over two weeks ago.
• Since 26 March, the Logistics Task Force 35, U.S. Army Japan, has assisted U.S. Marine
units in clearing debris from the runway and taxiways at Sendai Airport. Over 1,000
destroyed vehicles had littered the area.
U.S. Marines
• Marines are located at MCAS Iwakuni, Yokota Air Base, Naval Air Facility Atsugi, Tokyo,
Matsushima Air Base, Camp Sendai and Oshima Island.
A Japanese local smiles while unloading supplies
from a landing craft utility. U.S. Marine Corps
NOTES: Through available logistical capabilities, DOD was able to reach the
hardest hit areas in time to rescue victims and deliver critical supplies and
services.
PACOM Relief Updates - 28 March 2011
UNITED STATES RESPONSE
7th FLEET
•
Seventh Fleet forces continued sustainment of life efforts in support of Operation
Tomodachi. Currently, 19 ships, 133 aircraft and 18,165 personnel are in the area
of operation.
•
Since Operation Tomodachi started, U.S. 7th Fleet forces have delivered more than
240 tons of HA/DR supplies to survivors of the tsunami and earthquake, in support
of Japan Self Defense Force efforts.
•
The USS Essex Amphibious Readiness Group conducted a resupply of Oshima
Island on 27 March. The earthquake and tsunami on March 11 severed utilities and
destroyed ferry service, leaving the island without utilities or resupply capability.
Essex launched two Landing Craft Units carrying an electrical utility vehicle, a water
supply vehicle, a fuel truck, three electrical generator vehicles, a 23-person work
crew to conduct utility repairs and 15,000 lbs of relief supplies that included 900
gallons of water, 288 cases of Meals-Ready-to-Eat, tarps for shelter, packages with
hygienic items, baby wipes, sunscreen, toilet paper, soap, toothpaste/toothbrush,
shampoo, lotion, eye drops foot powder, razors, and tissue supplies.
•
USNS Safeguard worked successfully to clear debris from the Hachinohe port to
allow a Liquid Natural Gas tanker to dock and deliver much needed fuel, which has
been a critical need for the thousands of displaced personnel still living in shelters
without electricity or heat. Safeguard also leveraged its side scan sonar to survey
two million square meters of waterway.
•
Navy teams are working with the Japan Self Defense Force and local authorities to
coordinate similar debris removal efforts in the ports of Miyako, Kamaishi and
Ofunato and USNS Safeguard is transiting to Miyako tomorrow.
•
Rear Adm. Hiroyuki Kasui, commander of Japan’s Communications Control Center
1 arrived on USS Essex on 27 March to review humanitarian assistance disaster
relief operations and to thank U.S Navy Sailors for their assistance.
•
•
A Navy P-3 aircraft in Oshima scanned for obstructions in the water and
coordinated with the LCUs during the transit from Kesenumma to Oshima. The
aircraft also captured images of outlying islands and passed that information to the
JSDF for review and support of those locations as needed.
Two barges containing 500,000 gallons of fresh water are en route to the port of
Onahana to assist with the cooling of the Fukishima Daiichi nuclear power plant. The
first barge arrived 27 March escorted by JS Hiuchi and the second barge arrived on
28 March escorted by the JS Amakusa. Onahana port is the final stop prior to a joint
move to a staging area off the coast of the coast from the power plant. The water will
be used in replacement of salt water in the cooling operations to lessen the
corrosive impact of salt from the sea water which is currently being used for
emergency cooling.
•
USNS Rappahannock picked up 312 pallets of water from the port of Gwangyang,
South Korea. The water will be moved to Sasebo for release to Fleet Industrial
Supply Center who will support ongoing HA/DR efforts.
•
USS Preble conducted replenishment at-sea yesterday with the USNS Pecos to
onload additional fuel and ships stores.
•
USS Blue Ridge, flagship for the Seventh Fleet, is on station in the Philippine Sea
providing coordination for U.S. Navy efforts during the crisis.
•
The HMM-262 helicopter squadron aboard the USS Essex moved one ton of relief
supplies from Essex to JS Hyuga for further distribution by JMSDF personnel.
NOTES: Aircrews have reported that all groups isolated by the
tsunami are now being reached by the Japan Ground Self
Defense Force because of improvements in road conditions.
Landing Craft Utility (LCU) 1627 approaches USNS Safeguard (T-ARS-50). LCU 1627 is
embarked aboard transport dock ship USS Tortuga (LSD 46) and is operating in the U.S.
7th Fleet area of responsibility supporting Operation Tomodachi as directed. (U.S. Navy
photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Anthony R. Hayes)
PACOM Relief Updates - 28 March 2011
UNITED NATIONS RESPONSE
WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION-REGIONAL OFFICE FOR THE
WESTERN PACIFIC (WHO-WPRO) IN MANILA
•WPRO Situation room is on 24/7 operation to collect information and to
monitor the evolving events, in communication and coordination with MHLW
(Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare of Japan), WHO Kobe Center, the
WHO Headquarters and partners.
•WPRO has been closely working with the National IHR Focal Point in Japan
and the WHO Headquarter to facilitate sharing of information through the IHR
Event Information Site (EIS) that is open to all the Member States.
•WPRO has been providing regular situation reports, including situation
updates that have been posted on the WHO websites.
•"Forward" planning is ongoing to identify direct and indirect health and other
impacts, expectations/concerns from the public/media, Member States,
international communications and partners, and to prepare for possible WHO
actions in responding to different scenarios.
UN CHILDREN’S FUND (UNICEF)
UN OFFICE FOR THE COORDINATION OF HUMANITARIAN
AFFAIRS (OCHA) - reporting and providing coordination support
functions to the GoJ and has a temporary presence at the JICA Tokyo
International Center in Japan. (OCHA, Mar 30)
UN HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR REFUGEES (UNHCR) - At the
request of the GoJ, UNHCR is providing 1,794 solar lanterns for Miyagi
Prefecture. The GoJ has received 131 offers of assistance from countries
as well as 33 offers from international organizations. It has accepted relief
items from 17 countries.
INTERNATIONAL ATOMIC ENERGY AGENCY (IAEA) is
coordinating assistance from Member States through the Response and
Assistance Network (RANET), which consists of nations able to offer
specialized assistance after a radiation incident or emergency. (IAEA Mar
15) Due to the confirmed presence of radioactive iodine contamination in
food products measured in various prefectures by the MHLW, the IAEA has
passed information to the UN’s FAO and WHO and will continue to report
on this development .
•Working with local government, the Japan Committee for UNICEF has
conducted a rapid needs assessment on the ground to better support
children.
•In addition to the delivery of supplies, UNICEF relief workers have been
working to ensure the support needs of children are met. A needs assessment
has been conducted in collaboration with local governments. UNICEF
workers are beginning to increase efforts on education and psychological
support for women and children affected by the disaster.
•Eight Japanese experts have been deployed from their posts around the
world to work with the Japan Committee.
WORLD FOOD PROGRAMME (WFP)
•Working with local government, the Japan Committee for UNICEF has
conducted a rapid needs assessment on the ground to better support
children.
WHO-WPRO SitRep No. 21: 30 March 2011
OCHA SitRep No. 15 - 30 March 2011
UNICEF Press Rel: 23 March 2011
UNICEF Press Rel: 24 March 2011
WFP News Rel: 22 March 2011
OTHER ORGANIZATIONS OF INTEREST
• The GoJ has received 134 offers of assistance from countries as well as 39 offers
from international organizations. It has accepted relief items from 28 countries and
international organizations.
• GoJ says the need for further international assistance is limited and any support
should clearly be in accordance with the GoJ’s criteria:
‒
The GoJ is identifying the needs and trying to match the offers with the
identified needs for efficient and effective delivery. As the transportation
and storage capacity is still limited, it is strongly recommended not to send
any relief goods without coordination with the GoJ or the local authorities.
‒
Due to the shortage of fuel and damage to infrastructure, international
NGOs are recommended to wait until the situation improves before
commencing services (that must be completely self-sustainable and
coordinated with a local partner.)
• SAVE THE CHILDREN estimates that about 74,000 children remain displaced. As
part of the relief efforts, they have opened 12 Child Friendly Play Spaces. Save the
Children is also procuring 5500 back-to-school kits for primary students who have
lost everything. 500 hygiene kits are ready for distribution at the Sendai
warehouse.
• INTERNATIONAL MEDICAL CORPS reports health care priorities are the
vulnerable in evacuation centers, those living at home, and mental health services
for disaster victims.
- IMC’s emergency response team is assessing the post-disaster needs of
isolated coastal villages in north Sendai that have yet to receive
humanitarian assistance. Information from assessments of evacuation
centers has been communicated to the Japan regional office of International
Medical Corps to facilitate coordination efforts.
- While shortages of food and water have improved, there is still a need for
medications, packaged baby foods, and other supplies.
- IIMC’s assessments include: Minami-Sanriku, Kesennuma, Riken-Takata,
East Matsushima and areas north of Ishinomaki.
- Visited East Matsushima on 27 March 2011 and found cell phone service
operational and limited supplies available.
A child plays in a Child Friendly Space inside an evacuation center.
Photo by Jensen Walker/Getty Images for Save the Children
•
AMERICARES delivered 10 tons of basic supplies to evacuation
shelters in Miyagi prefecture lbtween 25-27 March.
‒
Hundreds of cases of soap, shampoo, toothbrushes and paste,
diapers, baby wipes, and bottled water are being distributed to
shelters in Iwanauma, Watari, and Yamamoto.
‒
The Americares team is also launching a “flash grants” program
to help maintain or expand emergency activities by smaller
Japanese community orgs. and NGOs.
Americares: 29 March 2011
Save the Children: 30 March 2011
OCHA Sit Rep 15: 30 March 2011
IMC: 29 March 2011
OTHER ORGANIZATIONS OF INTEREST
• ASSOCIATION OF MEDICAL DOCTORS OF JAPAN (AMDA) ) has 88 relief
personnel working in the impacted area: 35 doctors, 14 nurses, 2 midwives,
1 assistant nurse, 3 pharmacists, 30 coordinators, 2 medical students
• Iwate Prefecture (Kamaishi City and the town of Ohtsuchicho):
• Relief supplies and medical services are reaching the larger
evacuation centers in Kamaishi City. Logistics remain an issue.
• Communication lines have not yet recovered in the town of
Ohtsuchicho where some evacuation shelters in remote areas remain
inaccessible. AMDA teams use electric vehicles to provide mobile
clinic services there.
• Most patients are elderly whose chronic health conditions have
worsened while untreated. AMDA team is providing mobile clinic
services to these sites.
• Miyagi Prefecture (the town of Minamisanriku-cho):
• AMDA personnel have been working in two teams at Shizugawa
Elementary School and Shizugawa Junior High School. AMDA is
mainly supporting a local doctor who had already been active in the
area. In order to fulfill the needs at the smaller evacuation shelters
where medical aid has been scarce, AMDA is also providing mobile
clinic services.
• .Depressive symptoms, panic disorders and suspected influenza cases
were found among some of the patients, however, the most pressing
issue is providing medications for chronic diseases.
(Map) Seeds Sit Rep 10 : 29 March 2011
NOTE: All offers of assistance should be directed to the GoJ.
AMDA International Emergency Bulletin 10: 29 March 2011
OTHER ORGANIZATIONS OF INTEREST
Relief Operations by Japanese Humanitarian Organizations in Major Affected Cities
Seeds Sit Rep 10 : 29 March 2011
HEALTH – CONCERNS
Communicable Diseases
Non-communicable Diseases
• There have been sporadic cases of influenza but no large
outbreaks. An internet-based ad-hoc syndromic surveillance system
has been developed by the Infectious Disease Surveillance Center,
National Institute of Infectious Diseases (http://www.syndromicsurveillance.net/hinanjo/index.html )
• On 24 March that three workers at Unit 3 had exposure of
higher levels of radiation and they are currently being treated
at a hospital under the National Institute on Radiation Science
and no serious health consequence reported. On 28 March,
all 3 workers were discharged from the hospital.
• Influenza viruses were detected in Sendai and surrounding areas.
Based on a report, 21 out of 59 specimens were tested positive for
influenza A (21 were positive for H3N2 and 2 were positive for
pandemic influenza A (H1N1). Influenza rapid test kits were used at
an emergency center in Sendai for the period 12-21 March. Rapid
test was conducted for 335 out of 1,180 patients（28.3%). Results
are as follows: influenza A positive - 107(31.9%) and influenza B
positive - 5(1.5%).
Hypothermia
• There have been 2 cases of tetanus (one each from Miyagi and
Iwate prefectures) and 2 cases of legionella from Miyagi prefecture
(25 March). The diagnosis occurred between 17 and 21 March.
• Influenza-like-illness activity is being monitored in elderly
populations due to their high risk status.
OCHA Sit Rep 15: 23 March 2011
WHO-WPRO SitRep No. 21: 30 March 2011
NISA –News Release No.61: 29 March 2011
COE-DMHA: 28 March 2011
CDC - Hypothermia
• People continue to face cold temperatures with insufficient
heating. Hypothermia has been reported particularly among
the elderly population in the evacuation centers.
INITIAL RISK ASSESSMENT OF INFECTIOUS DISEASE
Conducted by the National Institute of Infectious Diseases (NIID)
WHO – WPRO SitRep No. 21: 30 March 2011
HEALTH – HOSPITALS
• The local medical associations have reported limited capacity of health facilities
(as of 25 March). Out of 231 hospitals and clinics in Iwate, Fukushima and
Miyagi prefecture, 121 (52%) are unable to accept new patients, while 33 (14%)
are unable to accept any patients due to lack of resources including staff. It is
difficult to supply dialysis treatment in the affected area. MLWH, cooperating
with the Japanese Association of Dialysis Physicians, requires prefectural and
city governments to set up a system to accommodate patients.
.
• The National center for Child Health and Development and Japanese Society of
Emergency Pediatrics deployed a team to Miyagi Prefectural Pediatric Hospital
for assessing the pediatric medical needs.
• In the town of Tagajo on the coast of Miyagi Prefecture, the Sen-en Hospital has
been without electricity, gas or running water for nearly two weeks. There are
shortages of basic medicines. Several elderly patients have died because of the
freezing temperatures in the wards. About 200 patients were transferred to
nearby hospitals. Those who remain are the most serious cases. (NOTE: It was
reported that 15 out of 170 elderly died within one week after evacuation)
-
Coordination meeting at Ishinomaki Hospital. 16 Red Cross medical
teams, (average 6 people on one team) 40 staff members from HQs for
administrative support, and additional helpers from local or neighboring
governments all gather and exchange information. Photo: IFRC
Most of the patients are elderly, unable to ambulate or feed themselves
Tube feeding supplies are exhausted, resulting in malnutrition
The army has installed a generator, which operates for two hours in
the evening, allowing doctors to perform the most important tasks.
• The Israeli Army has opened a field hospital in a village in Japan's north-eastern
Miyagi prefecture on 29 March 2011, one of the areas worst hit by the March 11
earthquake and tsunami. The hospital will operate in Kurihara for a month.
COE-DMHA Update - 28 March 2011
OCHA Sit Rep 15 - 30 March 2011
Israel Today Magazine
WHO/WPRO SitRep No. 21 - 30 March 2011
Dozens of medical teams from the Japanese Red Cross visit
evacuation centres daily to provide basic health care services to
thousands of tsunami survivors. Photo: IFRC
HEALTH – MEDICAL TEAMS
•
•
The MHLW has coordinated the deployment of doctors, pharmacists, social
workers, dentists, care managers, child welfare and psychological care
specialists to Iwate (more than 49 teams), Miyagi (more than 92 teams) and
Fukushima (more than 3 teams). 31 Japan Red Cross Society teams, 63 Japan
Medical Association teams, and seven teams from All Japan Hospital
Association are also operational in the affected areas.
132 teams, consisting of 651 members are deployed in Iwate, Miyagi and
Fukushima from the National Hospital Institution, Japan Red Cross Society,
Japan Medical Association, etc.
•
236 pharmacists are deployed to Miyagi (166), Fukushima (54), Iwate (14),
Ibaragi (2) by the Japan Pharmaceutical Association and Japanese Society of
Hospital Pharmacists.
•
On 25 March, the Japanese Nursing Association dispatched 76 nurses to Iwate
and Miyagi.
•
More than 50 medical teams from the Japanese Red Cross Society are
providing basic health care to survivors
•
29 March: Some 172 caregivers (home helpers) for elderly people are in Iwate
(72), Miyagi (88) and Fukushima (12). 8 137 caregivers are on standby.
• The National center for Child Health and Development and the Japanese
Society of Emergency Pediatrics deployed a team to Miyagi prefectural
Pediatric Hospital to assess pediatric medical needs.
• 109 public health teams have been deployed to evacuation centers and
public health centers in Fukushima, Iwate, Sendai and Miyagi. An
additional 4 teams have been mobilized or on standby for health-related
services.
•
As of 27 March, a total of 24 mental health care teams have been
deployed to provide psychosocial support to the affected areas, including
Iwate, Miyagi, Sendai City and Fukushima. An additional team is on
standby for mental health support.
• MSF medical teams continue to work in evacuation centers in Minami
Sanriku in Miyagi, and have started to support a Japanese doctor in the
town of Taro in Iwate prefecture. MSF reports the main activity continues
to be consultations with elderly patients suffering from chronic diseases.
Table 2: Public Health care teams deployed to evacuation centers and
public health centers as of 29 March.
Number of
Location
Teams
Responding
111
Iwate(37), Miyagi(47)+Sendai city(25), Fukushima(2)
Mobilizing
2
Iwate (1), Miyagi (1)
Standby
6
Iwate (1), Fukushima (5)
Total
119
Iwate (38), Miyagi (49)+Sendai City(25), Fukushima(7)
OCHA Sit Rep 15: 30 March 2011
SEEDS SitRep #10: 29 March 2011
COE-DMHA: 28 March 2011
WHO-WPRO SitRep No. 21: 30 March 2011
NOTES:
On Sunday, 26 March, the GoJ allowed a foreign medical team to
enter the country to treat survivors. A team of 53 medical
workers from Israel deployed to Minamisanriku in Miyagi
prefecture where they set up a field clinic to assist local doctors.
According to the Japan Times, the GoJ is considering accepting
more foreign medical providers.
HEALTH – PSYCHOLOGICAL IMPACTS
Psychosocial support to disaster victims is important to reduce morbidity, disability, and social problems. Those delivering psychosocial support services
need to be familiar with victims’ culture and way of life.
• in Iwate, 60% of 73 surveyed centers have patients who need immediate
psychosocial support (WHO).
• The MHLW has prepared a mental care guidebook that is being distributed
to affected municipalities; a website has been set up to provide information
for counselors and teachers.
• As of 30 March, 22 mental health care teams with 166 members have
been deployed to provide psychosocial support to Iwate, Miyagi, Sendai
City and Fukushima.
• The Japanese Red Cross Society (JRCS) says the disaster has
psychologically affected children. The National Society has 2,369 nurses
who are trained and ready to provided PSP services. In addition, some
PSP teams were deployed to conduct assessments in the affected
areas, as well as to provide support.
• MSF plans to support a team of 6 psychologists, from the Japanese
Society of Certified Clinical Psychologists, who will treat victims of the
disaster.
• 17 pediatric mental health care providers have been dispatched by MHWL
to Iwate, and 396 pediatric psychological care providers are on standby.
• The GoJ has also deployed 23 psychosocial support teams, as the specific
area becomes an increasing need.
NOTE:
• As response and recovery operations continue, the need for long term medical and psychological support will increase for pre-existing conditions as well as
those caused by the disaster
• A long-term strategy will be required to support these conditions as well as to transition response assets into the recovering infrastructure as appropriate
IFRC Information bulletin No.5: 28 March 2011
WHO-WPRO SitRep No 21: 30 March 2011
COE-DMHA update: 28 March 2001
SHELTER AND EVACUATION
• 245,508 people are displaced and/or evacuated and 173,200 people are
living in more than 2,000 evacuation centers in 17 prefectures mostly in the
north of Japan. In Miyagi, Iwate and Fukushima, 146,628 evacuees are
living in some 1,245 evacuation centers. There are now 30,093 Fukushima
evacuees, corrected from 85,085 as previously reported.
• OCHA reports that there are still significant humanitarian needs that are not
being met because of coordination and logistical issues. The biggest
concern is the extremely poor sanitation conditions at the evacuation
centers. Local media has also reported that hospitals in the areas are
reporting a steady increase in cases of nausea, gastroenteritis, and diarrhea
which is evidence that sanitary conditions are deteriorating in the centers.
The shortage of fuel is still an issue and as soon as it is readily available it is
expected that people in shelters will move out of the centers and into nonaffected areas.
• The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport reports that more
than 90 per cent of the Tohoku region’s main land, sea and air routes
are open. However, roads in the affected cities and towns are still
damaged or blocked with debris and this is hampering the delivery of
aid to the many smaller evacuation centers. Relief items are being
delivered on foot in some places.
• Fuel is being provided to evacuation centers by freight train and
tankers from areas both north and south of the affected Tohoku
region.
• While basic needs for food, water, toiletries and medicines are being met the
situation is serious and more sustainable solutions are being sought. In
addition, there are still thousands more that are living in their cars and who
have returned to their homes even though there is no electricity or water.
•
Authorities are trying to consolidate the number of evacuation centers and
move people into bigger shelters in order to provide a more efficient and
sustainable way of providing assistance. They also need to empty the 345
schools currently serving as evacuation centers in time for the academic
year, which begins in April.
• The Tokyo Metropolitan Government announced it will deploy 1,000
officials to Miyagi and Iwate from 2 April until at least mid May to help
manage evacuation centers.
OCHA SitRep No 15 : 30 March 2011
WHO-WPRO SitRep No. 21: 30 March 2011
COE-DMHA: 26 March 2011
IFRC Info Bulletin: 28 March 2011
SHELTER AND EVACUATION
• The evacuees have established managing committees in the evacuation
centers to assist with distribution of food and relief items, cleaning, water
supply, and allocation of individual living spaces. A municipal official acts
as the liaison between the committees and the municipality. This practice
of self-management will continue when the evacuees are relocated to
planned housing. The GoJ wants to keep people from the same
evacuation centers together so bonds formed since the earthquake can
be maintained.
• Hypothermia has been reported particularly among the elderly population
in the evacuation centers.
• As of 26 March, 52 deaths in shelters were reported, particularly among
the elderly.
• Majority of evacuation centers reported availability of three meals a day.
• The number of people staying outside their prefectures following the
nuclear power plant accident in Fukushima Prefecture fell to 33,748 by
March 27.
• For the thousands of people who are living in their homes without
electricity and water, there is no access to basic supplies unless they are
able to receive it from one of the bigger evacuation centers.
• The local municipality for Minamisanriku-town in Miyagi Prefecture has
plans to relocate some of its evacuees to other prefectures due to poor
sanitation conditions in the evacuation centers and to allow children and
the elderly to have better access to basic services. But a recent survey
indicated that around 2/3 are not willing to move. The municipality planned
to relocate evacuees to seven towns but a large number of evacuees
prefer to remain where they are as many of them are still looking for family
members. Many evacuees have been moved several times. This is
taking a toll on the evacuees, especially the elderly.
NOTE:
The transition of evacuees from shelters into planned housing will
support the improvement of the health concerns associated with
mass sheltering, including some psychological concerns.
The humanitarian needs of the population returning to their homes
must be addressed, as once they leave the shelters obtaining
basic needs is more difficult.
OCHA SitRep No 15 : 30 March 2011
WHO-WPRO SitRep No. 21: 30 March 2011
COE-DMHA: 26 March 2011
IFRC Info Bulletin: 28 March 2011
SHELTER AND EVACUATION
• The Special Task Force for Livelihood Support of the Affected Population says
40,500 government apartments and 19,500 public housing units are available for
displaced families, making a total of approximately 60,000 apartments. Among
them, 42,145 are immediately available. 70,409 evacuee families are currently
living in evacuation centers.
• The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transportation says that only 8% of the
land needed for the construction of temporary shelters has been secured. The
construction of temporary shelter is underway but far below the number
requested by prefectures. The GoJ plans to have 30,000 houses built in the next
two months. So far, land has been allocated for only 2,645 shelters.
• In Iwate Prefecture, authorities are taking applications for the first 200 temporary
shelters it is constructing.
• Local authorities are facing difficulties in finding suitable land, as the coastal area
in Tohoku is not flat, and a large part has been damaged by the tsunami. The
Ministry is also considering purchasing material for the construction of temporary
shelters from abroad, if they have the same cost, size and design specifications
as Japan. After the 1995 Kobe earthquake, 3,300 temporary shelters were
imported, as they could not all be procured in-country.
•
Rikuzentakata is the first municipality in the earthquake/tsunami area
to start the registration process. The media is reporting mixed feelings
towards the registration as while evacuees are keen to leave the
evacuation centers where access to basic services is extremely limited,
they are also concerned about remaining in the areas destroyed by the
tsunami. At least 8,800 temporary housing units will be built in the
prefecture.
• An association of landlords, the Zenjyu Association, has established a
system to help landlords across the country offer vacant apartments at
a discounted rent to the people affected by the disaster. 418,000
vacant apartments have been offered so far. Also, The Ministry of
Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries is looking at available
accommodation in Japan’s fishing and farming villages as the
population in these villages has been steadily decreasing over the
years. The Ministry is collecting detailed information from local
municipalities in order to make an allocation plan.
OCHA SitRep No 15 : 30 March 2011
WHO-WPRO SitRep No. 21: 30 March 2011
COE-DMHA: 26 March 2011
IFRC Info Bulletin: 28 March 2011
LOGISTICS AND TRANSPORTATION
LOGISTICS
TRANSPORTATION
•The shortage of fuel is the biggest obstacle to delivering relief supplies and
keeping people warm. Up to 700 tanker trucks have been mobilized from
other parts of the country to ease the situation.
•Harsh winter weather continues in disaster areas. The temperature dropped
below 0 (C) in many coastal towns on 30 March and there was snowfall in the
afternoon.
•Although 88% of gasoline, diesel and kerosene shipments have resumed to
Tohoku region, there is still a serious fuel shortage. The areas surrounding
the Fukushima Power Plants are also receiving emergency fuel.
•The number of fuel stations operating is still limited and needs have
increased due to the disruption in public transport and increased number of
emergency vehicles. There are long lines and the public is restricted to 20
liters of fuel a day. The GoJ says it will spend US$209.9 million (JPY1.7
billion) to solve the emergency fuel shortage.
•Disruption in supply chain sources many of which were concentrated in the
east as well as significant shifts in demand patterns had an impact on the
supply of certain essential items such as bottled water and fuel.
•The GoJ says 11,257,000 liters of fuel have been delivered to the affected
areas to date. Another 29,000 litres is in transit. Approximately 1 million liters
arrived on 28 March.
•The Japan Medical Association started to ship insulin to affected sites but
there has been difficulty in reaching the affected areas because of bad road
conditions and lack of fuel. Relief items are being delivered on foot in some
places.
•A logistics concept of operations to strengthen and enhance JRCS logistics
capacity has been shared with the National Society but has yet to be
discussed in detail. A more detailed plan of action is currently being
developed, including enhancing logistics infrastructure, information flows,
creating a logistics hub, shipping by sea/air options and increasing
warehouses in the field.
•The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport reports that more than 90
percent of Tohoku region’s main land, sea and air routes are open.
•Roads: As of 30 March, 2,126 damaged roads have been reported from 11
prefectures (Aomori, Miyagi, Yamagata, Akita, Tokyo, Ibaragi, Tochigi, Saitama,
Gunma, Chiba and Iwate). There were reports of 56 damaged bridges in four
prefectures. Many roads and highways remain closed.
•More than 37,200 vehicles are now passing through the Tohoku Expressway
per day, which is 1.3 times more traffic than before the disaster struck.
•Airports:13 airports in the affected areas are open for scheduled and chartered
flights. Sendai Airport is open 24-hours for humanitarian flights, but has
inadequate warehousing for relief needs. The World Food Programme (WFP)
has been asked to assist in improving warehousing.
•Sea Ports:15 of 15 ports in the affected area are usable. (multipurpose piers
are partly available (Excluding Aomori Port).
•Railway Lines: Railway lines are still under repair. As of 30 March, 29
damaged rail lines in three prefectures were reported. About 30 local trains in
the affected area remain out of service.
•According to NHK, the Tohoku bullet train is expected to resume full service in
late April. The route runs through affected regions, and repair work will take
more than a month, but the line sustained minor damage.
OCHA SitRep No. 15: 30 March 2011
WHO-WPRO SitRep No. 21: 30 March 2011
IFRC Info Bulletin No.5: 28 March 2011
MLIT 2011 Earthquake Outline 36th Report: 28 March 2011
Many roads and
bridges remain
damaged, making
access to affected
areas difficult
Photo: IFRC
YALE/TULANE ESF-8 PLANNING AND RESPONSE PROGRAM SPECIAL REPORT
(FUKUSHIMA NUCLEAR ACCIDENT )
MAP
BACKGROUND
• Radioactive water found in and outside reactor
buildings is delaying work to restore cooling functions
of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant.
NUCLEAR POWER PLANT
GAMMA READINGS
RADITION IN FOOD
RADITION IN WATER
• Seawater near the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant
has reached a much higher level of radiation than
previously reported. Radioactive iodine in the sea
water is 3,355 times the legal limit. Japan’s Nuclear
Safety Agency says this does not pose a health risk.
• The GoJ says it is expected to take a considerable
amount of time before the temperatures of fuel rods in
the reactor cores at the power station are lowered to a
stable state.
RADITION IN SEA WATER
RADITION IN SOIL
HEALTH EFFECTS
Radioactive water found in and
outside reactor buildings is
delaying work to restore cooling
functions of the Fukushima
Daiichi nuclear power plant.
• The International Atomic Energy Agency says the
situation at the Fukushima Daiichi plant remains very
serious.
• A Joint FAO/IAEA Food Safety Assessment Team
was briefed by local government authorities in Ibaraki
Prefecture on 28 March regarding extent of
contamination in Ibaraki, the main agricultural
products and production areas involved, and levels of
contamination found.
JAPAN EARTHQUAKE AND TSUNAMI
BACKGROUND
• Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant - Located on the Eastern coast
of Japan, the six nuclear power reactors at Daiichi are boiling water
reactors (BWRs).
•
The earthquake on 11 March severed off-site power to the plant and
triggered the automatic shutdown of the three operating reactors - Units 1,
2, and 3. The control rods were successfully inserted into the reactor cores,
ending the fission chain reaction. The remaining reactors - Units 4, 5, and 6
-- had previously been shut down for routine maintenance purposes.
Backup diesel generators, designed to start up after losing off-site power,
began providing electricity to pumps circulating coolant to the six reactors.
• Soon after the earthquake, a large tsunami washed over the reactor site,
knocking out the backup generators. While some batteries remained
operable, the entire site lost the ability to maintain proper reactor cooling
and water circulation functions.
• Over the following days there was evidence of partial nuclear meltdowns in
reactors 1, 2, and 3; hydrogen explosions destroyed the upper cladding of
the buildings housing reactors 1, 3, and 4; an explosion damaged reactor
2's containment; and multiple fires broke out at reactor 4. Fears of radiation
leaks led to a 30 km (18-mile) radius evacuation around the plant.
• Radioactive material was released on several occasions after the tsunami
struck. This occurred due to both deliberate pressure-reducing venting, and
through accidental and uncontrolled releases.
• These conditions resulted in unsafe levels of radioactive contamination in
the air, soil, drinking water, and seawater.
•
Of the 593 food samples which have been tested as of 30 March, 99
samples were above the provisional regulation value. Iodine levels in tap
water have declined since testing began on a daily basis on 16 March.
• Based on the latest discussions with government officials in Tochigi
prefecture, the focus of the Joint FAO/IAEA mission has changed to some
extent from the mechanisms of contamination to remediation strategies and
techniques related to plant and animal production, food traceability and
water/soil characterization.
IAEA Update: 30 March 2011
WHO-WPRO SitRep No. 21: 30 March 2011
USAID Fact Sheet #13: 24 March 2011
US Geological Survey
NOAA Center for Tsunami Research
FUKUSHIMA DAIICHI NUCLEAR POWER PLANT
NOTE: Radiation levels are at levels high enough to impact human health at the Fukushima power plant.
According to the International Atomic Energy
Association (IAEA), the situation at the Fukushima
Daiichi plant remains very serious.
Electrical power has been restored at Units 1-4 and
fresh water is now available on the site.
Water Contamination: Contaminated water was found
in trenches located close to the turbine buildings of
Units 1-3. The Nuclear Safety Commission of Japan
suggests that higher activity in the water discovered
in the Unit 2 turbine building is related to contact
with molten fuel rods for a time followed by release
into the turbine building via some, as yet
unidentified path. An investigation is underway as to
how the water accumulated in the trenches.
Measurements could not be carried out at Unit 3
because of the presence of debris.
It is now believed leaks seeping into the soil, fresh water and the sea are continuous. Radiation has
found its way into local produce, milk and tap water (BBC)
Soil contamination: Five soil samples, collected near the exhaust stacks of Unit 1 and 2 on 21 and
22 March, were analyzed for plutonium-238 and for the sum of plutonium-239/240. Plutonium-238
was detected in 2 of the 5 samples, while plutonium-239/240 was detected in all samples, as
expected. Concentrations reported for both, plutonium-238 and plutonium-239/240 are similar to
those deposited in Japan by nuclear weapons. The ratio of the concentrations of plutonium-238
and plutonium-239/240 in two of the samples indicate that very small amounts of plutonium
might have been released during the Fukushima accident, but clarification is needed.
On 29 March, workers were able to begin pumping
fresh water into the reactor pressure vessel of Unit 1
using temporary electrical pumps running on offsite
power. A similar set-up was established at Unit 2 on 27
March. Fresh water is also being injected continuously
into the reactor pressure vessel of Unit 3 using fire
trucks. Lighting has been restored to the control room of
Unit 4.
Three workers who were exposed to radioactive water
on 24 March were discharged on 28 March without any
complications.
The number of plant workers exposed to levels of
radiation over 100mSv is now 19.
IAEA Update 30 March 2011 16:30UTC
WHO Situation Report #21: 30 March 2011
NISA Seismic Damage Update (61st Release: 16:00 29 March)
IAEA Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant Photos 29 March
FUKUSHIMA DAIICHI NUCLEAR POWER PLANT
Unit
Power (MWe /MWth)
Type of Reactor
1
2
3
4
5
6
460/1380
784/2381
784/2381
784/2381
784/2381
1100/3293
BWR-3
BWR-4
BWR-4
BWR-4
BWR-4
BWR-5
Status at time of EQ
In service – auto
shutdown
In service – auto
shutdown
In service – auto shutdown
Outage
Core and fuel integrity
Damaged
Severe damage
Damaged
No fuel in the Reactor
RPV & RCS integrity
RPV temperature
decreased
RPV temperature
increased
RPV temperature stable
Containment integrity
No information
Damage suspected
Damage suspected
AC Power
AC power available Power to instrumentation –
Lighting to Central Control
Room
AC power available – power
to instrumentation – Lighting
to Central Control Room
AC power available – Lighting
to Central Control Room
Building
Severe damage
Slight damage
Severe damage
Water level of RPV
Around half of Fuel is
shown uncovered
(Stable)
Around half of Fuel is
uncovered (Stable)
Around half of Fuel is
uncovered (Stable)
Pressure of RPV
Stable
Stable
Stable
CV Pressure Drywell
Decreased
Stable
Stable
Water injection to RPV
Injection of freshwater –
via mobile electric
pump with diesel
backup power
Injection of freshwater –
via mobile electric pump
with diesel backup power
Injection of freshwater – via
mobile electric pump with
diesel backup power
Water injection to CV
No information
No information
No information
Spent Fuel Pool
Status
Spraying to be
considered
Freshwater injection to the
Fuel Pool Cooling Line
Freshwater injection via
Fuel Pool Cooling Line and
Periodic spraying
Severe Condition
Concern
No Immediate Concern
Outage
Outage
Cold Shutdown
Being maintained
using off-site electrical
power and existing
plant equipment.
Cold
Shutdown
Being
maintained
using off-site
electrical power
and existing
plant
equipment.
Not applicable due to
outage plant status
AC power available – power
to instrumentation - Lighting
to Central Control Room
Severe damage
Not applicable due to
outage plant status
Seawater injection via
Fuel Pool Cooling Line
and Periodic spraying
31 March IAEA Summary of Reactor Unit Update
FUKUSHIMA DAIICHI NUCLEAR POWER PLANT
Illustration of Contaminated Water Flow at Fukushima
Reactor Building
Turbine
Vertical Duct
Sea
Dose rate at the
surface of the
contaminated water
(mSv/h)
Depth of Vertical Duct
Tunnel
Depth of Contaminated
Water
Unit 1
More than 1,000
mSv/h
3/29/2011 05:00 UTC
Distance of the Duct
to the Sea
Not Measured
Meter
30 March IAEA Summary of Reactor Unit Update
FUKUSHIMA DAIICHI NUCLEAR POWER PLANT
UNIT
SITUATION
UNIT 1
Unit 1 experienced an explosion on March 12, after attempts to vent gas from the containment. The explosion destroyed the outer shell of the building’s upper floors. Coolant
within Unit 1 is covering about half of the fuel rods in the reactor, and Japanese authorities believe the core has been damaged. Official have been unable to measure temperature
in the spent fuel storage pool. White smoke was seen emanating from the building on 29 March at 06:30 UTC. Water sample taken from the stagnant water on the basement floor
of the turbine building shows the presence of I-131, Cs-137 and Cs-134 to a level comparable to that measured in the turbine building of unit 3 where three workers were exposed
to elevated levels of radiation on 24 March. As of 26 March, lighting had been restored to the control center. On 29 March, temperatures measured at the feed water nozzle of the
Reactor Pressure Vessel (RPV) decreased from 383°C to 281°C, and remained stable at 134°C at the bottom head of the RPV. Pooled water at the floor of Unit 1 showed high
radiation levels (sampling on 27 March: .4mSv/hr). Transfer of stagnant water to the reactor condenser has been ongoing since 24 March. Freshwater pumping to the RPV using
off-site power has been established. Pressure inside the reactor remains high, but stable (0.484-.592 MPaG: 29 March). Pumping of water into the spent fuel pool was supposed
to commence on 29 March. As of 30 March, IAEA authorities cannot confirm that this operation is underway.
UNIT 2
Coolant within Unit 2 is covering about half of the fuel rods in the reactor, and Japanese authorities believe the core has been damaged. White smoke was seen emanating from
the building on 29 March at 06:30 UTC. Temperature continues to be monitored. On 30 March, temperatures measured at the feed water nozzle rose from 154°C to 177°C and
from 77°C to 88°C at the bottom of the Reactor Pressure Vessel (RPV. The temperature in the spent fuel pool was 46°C. On 26 March, pooled water at the floor of Unit 2 showed
excess levels of I-134 (>1,000mSV/h), however this finding has since been reported as an error. Unit 2 has light in the control center. On 27 March, Unit 2 started to use an
electric pump instead of fire engines to pump fresh water into the reactor core. Seawater continues to be pumped into the spent fuel pool. Pressure in the reactor remains low and
stable at .074-.076MPa.
UNIT 3
Unit 3 experienced an explosion on March 14 that destroyed the outer shell of the building’s 3rd floor. Concern about possible damage to the primary containment vessel and
spent fuel pool remain. Helicopters began spraying water into the building on March 17. Lighting to the Central Control Room was restored on 22 March. As of 23 March, workers
began injecting seawater into the spent fuel pool using the cooling and purification line. The temperature in the spent fuel storage pool remains unknown. Fresh water is being
injected into the reactor pressure vessel. As of 30 March, the temperature at the bottom of reactor pressure vessel had increased to 116°C, and 75°C at the feed water nozzle
(however, the validity of this measurement is under investigation). Since 29 March, fresh water is being injected continuously into the reactor pressure vessel through the fire
extinguisher line using a temporary electric pump. Seawater continues to be injected into the spent fuel pool. The pumping of contaminated water and in particular where it is
going, are under consideration. Pooled water at the floor of Unit 3 showed high radiation levels (sampling on 26 March: I-131 levels were 3.2 X 105 for Unit 3). White smoke was
seen emanating from the building on 29 March at 06:30 UTC.
UNIT 4
All fuel from Unit 4 had been removed from the reactor core for routine maintenance before the earthquake and placed into the spent fuel pool. The heat load in this pool is of
concern, however, no temperature data is currently available. The building's outer shell was damaged on 14 March, causing sever damage to the buildings upper floors.
Authorities remain concerned that structural damage may have reduced cooling capabilities in the spent fuel pool. Workers began spraying water into the building on March 20.
On March 22, workers began using a concrete truck to increase the amount of sea water being delivered. Electrical lines have been restored to the facility. Lighting to the Central
Control Room was restored on 29 March. Sea water continues to be injected into the spent fuel pool using a concrete pump truck. On 29 March, the pumping of contaminated
water and in particular where it is going, are still under consideration. Pumping of water into the spent fuel pool was supposed to commence on 29 March. As of 30 March, IAEA
authorities cannot confirm that this operation is underway.
UNITS 5 & 6
Shut down for routine maintenance before the earthquake. Instrumentation indicated rising temperatures at spent fuel pools starting March 14. Diesel generators were used to
power basic cooling and fresh-water replenishment systems. Both reactors achieved cold shutdown on 20 March. Workers have opened holes in the roofs of both buildings to
prevent hydrogen gas accumulation, which is suspected of causing explosions at units 1 and 3. Outside power supply was restored to Units 5 and 6 on 22 March. Replacement of
a failed temporary pump supplying water to the spent fuel pool at Unit 5 was completed on March 24. As of 29 March, the temperature in the spent fuel pools of Units 5 and 6
decreased to 38.8°C and 21.0°C, respectively. Both reactors remain in cold shutdown, with low pressure and water temperature.
COMMON
SPENT FUEL
POOLS
In addition to pools in each of the plant's reactor buildings, authorities are also concerned about rising temperatures in the Common Use Spent Fuel Pool, where spent fuel is
stored after cooling for at least 18 months in the reactor buildings. Official confirmed fuel assemblies were fully covered by water on March 18. On 21 March, emergency workers
sprayed water into the pool for five hours. Outside power was available starting 24 March, and cooling began. On 28 March, the temperature of the pools was around 35°C.
WHO Situation Report #21: 30 March 2011
NISA Conditions of Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Station Units 1-6 (12:00 29 March)
IAEA Update 30 March 2011 16:30UTC
NISA Seismic Damage Updata (61st Release: 16:00 29 March)
POWER PLANT EVACUATION AREAS
WFP: Evacuation Areas, Fukushima Plant Crisis
GAMMA DOSE RATES IN µSv/HOUR
15-27 MARCH
Natural Background: 0.1 µSv/hour
1.2
Ibaraki(Mito)
1
Saitama(Saitama)
Tokyo(Shinjyuku)
0.8
0.6
0.4
0.2
0
Two IAEA teams are currently monitoring radiation levels
and radioactivity in the environment in Japan.
One team made gamma dose-rate measurements in the
Tokyo region at 8 locations. Gamma-dose rates
measured ranged from 0.02 to 0.19 micro Sievert per
hour, which is within or slightly above the background.
The second team made additional measurements at
distances of 32 to 62 km from the Fukushima nuclear
power plant. At these locations, the dose rates ranged
from 0.5 to 6.8 micro Sievert per hour. At the same
locations, results of beta-gamma contamination
measurements ranged from 0.05 to 0.45 MBq/M2
30 March IAEA Briefing on Fukushima Nuclear Accident
RADIONUCLIDES IN FOOD
Farmers in Fukushima Prefecture have been asked to postpone planting crops
until the radiation level of the soil is determined to be safe. The Chief Cabinet
Minister referred to the possibility of reducing restrictions on food groups and
changing from prefecture level to specific affected prefecture locations for the
restrictions.
•
Many countries have enacted food control measures and testing to regulate
food, milk, feed and other products. To see the international risk
management actions currently being taken, see: WHO-WPRO SitRep 21
•
In response to the request for data, Singapore Authorities have sent reports
of radioactivity in cabbages imported from Japan to the IEC. Some samples
were over the Codex Alimentarius values recommended for international
trade. In Singapore, there’s no increase in radioactivity in air samples.
•
Samples reported from 26 to 27 March in six prefectures (Fukushima,
Gunma, Ibaraki, Niigata, Tochigi and Yamagata) reported I-131 in asparagus,
cabbage, celery, chive, cucumber, eggplant, leek, mushrooms, parsley,
tomato, spinach and other leafy vegetables, strawberries and watermelon.
One sample of hana wasabi taken on 24 March in Fukushima prefecture was
above regulation values. Cs-137 was also measured above the regulation
value in the same sample of hana wasabi, but in the remaining five
prefectures, Cs-137 was not detected or the results were below regulation
values.
•
On 30 March, the Food Safety Commission announced following their
review, the current provisional regulation values are acceptable.
Tables: Results were received from 35 food samples on 30 March, none of which exceeded the
provisional regulation values. Of the total 593 food samples which have been tested, 99 food samples
were above the provisional regulation value from six prefectures (Chiba, Fukushima, Gunma, Ibaraki,
Tochigi and Tokyo).
•
•
Radioactive iodine has a short half-life of about 8 days and decays naturally within a matter
of weeks, there is a risk to human health if I-131 is ingested in food.
The presence of elevated radiation levels in food and water may impede nutrition and
hydration in the impacted areas, potentially exacerbating the health issues already emerging
in some locations
FDA Radiation Safety: 23 March 2011 WHO SITREP 21: 30 March 2011 IAEA Update: 30 March 2011
RADIONUCLIDES IN DRINKING WATER
The Nuclear Safety Commission of Japan guideline value for the restriction of drinking water intake include: I-131 at or above 300 Bq/kg* for adults and 100 Bq/L of I131 for infants, and Cs-134 or Cs 137 at or above 200 Bq/kg for both; an order of magnitude lower than the internationally agreed Operational Intervention Levels
• Fukushima Prefecture Environmental Radioactivity Monitoring Center has
monitored radioactivity in tap water at 9 points within the prefecture daily since
16 March. I-131 measurements peaked at 348 Bq/L in Tamura City on 17 March
and have generally declined since then. I-131 peaked at 293 Bq/L in Kawamata
town on 18 March; and peaked at 185 Bq/L in Minamisouma City on 19 March.
I-131 peaked at 965 Bq/L in Iitate village (iitoitaki shita area) on 20 March.
Iodine levels have been on a generally downward trend following the peaks and
are now below 100 Bq/L in those locations. In Iwaki City, I-131 levels have
generally been around or below 100 Bq/L since 16 March but a spike at 215
Bq/L was seen on 24 March. I-131 in Iwaki City dropped to 100 Bq/L on 25
March and 85.7 Bq/L on 26 March.
• Ibaragi Prefecture - Data are available from Hitachiota City
(Mizuhu area) from 22 March onward and from seven other
locations from 23 March onward.
• MHLW restricted residents using Iitate Small-Scale Water Supply Utility, in
Iitate-mura (Fukushima Prefecture) from drinking tap water. The restriction
became effective at 07:00 on 21 March, and is not yet lifted although the I-131
level has been below 300 Bq/kg since 23 March (cesium not detected; the I-131
reading was 129 Bq/kg on 28 March). Bottled water is being provided to the
residents.
• I-131 levels peaked in Toride city at 106.5 Bq/L on 24 March. I131 levels have been on a generally downward trend following the
peaks and are now below 100 Bq/L in those locations.
•
I-131 peaked in Hitachiota City (Mizuhu area) at 245 Bq/L on 22
March and declined to 29 Bq/L the following day. No new data is
available for Hitachiota City (Mizuhu area) since then.
• On 23 March, I-131 levels peaked in Hitachi city (Moriyama) at 150
Bq/L, Hitachi city (juo) at 298 Bq/L, in Hurukawa city at 142 Bq/L,
in Tokai village at 188.7 Bq/L, and in Kasama City at 170 Bq/L.
•
Chiba Prefecture - data are available from the Kashiwai and
Kuriyama water purification plants on one date, 25 March. I-131
was measured at 130 Bq/L at Kashiwai and 45 Bq/L at Kuriyama
on that date.
• Cesium levels have generally been below detectable levels in
these locations with sporadic findings well below levels of concern.
• MHLW has also suggested pregnant and breast-feeding women
should adhere to a guidance value of 100 Bq/kg or less.
WHO FAQs: 25 March 2011
IAEA Updates: 30 March 2011
WHO-WPRO SitRep No. 21: 30 March 2011
RADIONUCLIDES IN SEA WATER
• Seawater near the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant has reached a much higher level of
radiation than previously reported. New readings from a sample of sea water found
radioactive iodine at 3,355 times the legal limit. Japan’s Nuclear Safety Agency says this
does not pose a health risk.
• Contamination of the marine environment has occurred both by fallout or washout and
discharges of contaminated water into the sea
•
On 23 March, MEXT began surveillance of coastal waters near the Fukushima Daiichi
NPP site. Seawater samples have been collected in coastal waters along transects that
are separated by 10 km intervals. Sampling has been performed along each transect to a
distance of about 30 km offshore. Since 28 March, two more sampling points have been
added.
• The maximum permissible concentrations in seawater are 40 Bq/L for I-131 and
90 Bq/L for Cs-137. Values in excess of the Iodine-131 limit were detected at
sampling points 3, 4 and 5 on 23 and 24 March but dropped below the limit on 25
March. On 28 March, data were collected only at sampling points 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9
and all readings were below index values on that date. MEXT is continuing to
monitor the situation.
• Measurements of the marine environment were carried out by Japanese authorities since
23 March and data reported to the IAEA. Measurement were done at 30 km off-shore, at 8
locations, and on 26 March at 4 Stations.
• I-131 and Cs-137 were detected with highest activity concentration of about 80 Bq/L and
26 Bq/L in surface layer, respectively, on 23 and 24 March.
• Data since 26 March show decreasing levels between 6 and 18 Bq/L for I-131; not
detectable“ and 16.4 Bq/L for Cs-137.
• Dose rates were also given above seawater level on 26 March. They are between 0.041
and 0.100 micro-Sv/h
• Levels at about 330 m east of the discharge area showed increasing concentrations with
74,000 Bq/L for I-131, 12,000 Bq/L for both radionuclides Cs-134 and Cs-137
• Modelling of the dispersion of radionuclides was initiated and first results were available.
The results show an initial transport into north-east direction and the contaminated
seawater could reach the 30 km off-shore sampling section between 7 and 14 days after
release
• It can be expected that the marine dispersion will take months or years to reach other
Pacific countries. At resent, the main transport of contamination takes place by
atmospheric transport over long distances with high dilution capacity.
IAEA Updates: 28 March 2011
WHO-WPRO SitRep No. 19: 28 March 2011
WHO-WPRO SitRep 21: 30 March 2011
OCHA SitRep 15: 30 March 2011
RADIOACTIVITY IN SOIL AND AIR
TEPCO sampled soil at 5 locations on the premises of the Fukushima Daiichi NPP. 13 samples on 21 and 22 March were analyzed and plutonium 238, 239 and 240
were detected at the density equivalent to the fallout observed in Japan during previous atmospheric nuclear test; it would not pose a threat to human health.
TEPCO will continue the radionuclide analysis of soil.
• The radioactivity levels in all but the sampling points in Iwaki-shi (45 km south of the
Fukushima Daiichi NPP) and Nihonmatsu-shi (45 km West Northwest of the Fukushima
Daiichi NPP) have been decreasing
• Two IAEA teams are currently monitoring radiation levels and radioactivity in the
environment in Japan. On 29 March, gamma-dose rates ranged from 0.02 to 0.19 mSv per
hour, which is roughly background. Additional measurements at distances of 32 to 62 km NNW from the power plant ranged from 0.5 to 6.8 uSv per hour. At the same locations, results
of beta-gamma contamination measurements ranged from 0.05 to 0.45 Megabecquerel per
square meter.
• TEPCO conducted an analysis of soil at five sampling points on the premises of the
Fukushima Daiichi NPP. 13 samples on 21 and 22 March were analyzed and plutonium 238,
239 and 240 were detected. According to TEPCO, the density of detected plutonium is
equivalent to the fallout observed in Japan when atmospheric nuclear test ing was
conducted. The detected plutonium from two samples out of five may be the direct result of
the recent incident, considering the activity ratio of the plutonium isotopes. The detected
plutonium levels would not threaten human health. TEPCO will continue to monitor soil
there.
• NHK reported on 25 March that Japanese authorities had detected a concentration of a
radioactive substance that was 1,600 times higher than normal at a village 40 kilometers
away from the Daiichi nuclear power plant in Fukushima Prefecture.
• Based on measurements of I-131 and Cs-137 in soil, sampled from 18 to 26 March in 9
municipalities at distances of 25 to 58 km from the Fukushima NPP, the total deposition of I131 and Cs-137 has been calculated. There is pronounced spatial variability of the total
deposition of these isotopes. The average total deposition at these locations for I-131 range
from 0.2 to 25 Megabecquerel per square meter and for Cs-137 from 0.02-3.7
Megabecquerel per square meter. The highest values were found in a relatively small area
northwest of the Fukushima NPP. One of the IAEA operational criteria for evacuation was
exceeded in Iitate village.
WHO-WPRO SitRep No. 21: 30 March 2011
IAEA Update: 30 March 2011
Radiation levels in area ~30km NW of plant remain higher than normal,
but there is continued decline in radiation levels
HEALTH CONCERNS
CURRENT RISK
• The GoJ’s recent actions in response to events at the
Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant are in line with the
existing recommendations for radiation exposure. The GoJ has
evacuated individuals who were living within a 20-km radius
around the Fukushima Daiichi plant. Those living between 20 km
and 30 km from the plant are being asked to shelter indoors.
ACUTE HEALTH EFFECTS
• If the dose of radiation exceeds a certain threshold level, it can produce
acute effects, including skin redness, hair loss, radiation burns, and acute
radiation syndrome (ARS).
• In a nuclear power accident, rescuers, first responders, and nuclear power
plant workers may be exposed to doses of radiation high enough to cause
acute effects, but usually not the general public.
RISK OF RADIOACTIVE EXPOSURE FROM FOOD
CONTAMINATION
• There is a risk of exposure as a result of contamination in food.
• However, contaminated food would have to be consumed over
prolonged periods to represent a risk to human health.
• Monitoring of vegetables and milk has demonstrated I-131 in
concentrations above Japanese regulatory limits. Cs-137 has
also been detected. (See “Radionuclides in Food and Water”
Slides for add’l details)
• Currently, there is no evidence that radioactivity from the
Fukushima Daiichi NPP has contaminated food produced in any
other country.
LONG-TERM HEALTH EFFECTS
• Exposure to high doses of radiation can increase the risk of cancer.
• I-131 can be released during nuclear emergencies. If radioactive iodine is
breathed in or swallowed, it will concentrate in the thyroid gland and
increase the risk of thyroid cancer. Among persons exposed to I-131, the
risk of thyroid cancer can be lowered by taking potassium iodide pills, which
helps prevent the uptake of the radioactive iodine.
• The risk of thyroid cancer following radiation exposure is higher in children
and young adults.
BASELINE HUMAN EXPOSURE TO RADIATION
• Human beings are exposed to natural radiation (also known as
background radiation) on a daily basis
• On average, a person is exposed to approximately 3.0
millisieverts (mSv)/year, of which 80% (2.4 mSv) is due to
naturally-occurring sources (i.e., background radiation), 19.6%
(almost 0.6 mSv) is due to the medical use of radiation and the
remaining 0.4% (around 0.01 mSv) is due to other sources of
human-made radiation.
WHO Japan Nuclear Concerns FAQ 29 March
WHO Japan Nuclear Concerns FAQ – Human Exposure 29 March
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE MEASURES (UPON EXPOSURE)
• Upon coming indoors after radiation exposure, undress in the doorway to
avoid further contamination of home or shelter. Remove clothing and shoes
and place them in a plastic bag. Seal the bag and place it in a safe location
away from living areas, children, and pets.
• Shower or bathe with warm water and soap.
• Notify authorities of possibly contaminated clothing and personal belongings
so that they can be handled appropriately and disposed of according to
accepted national procedures.
• Potassium iodide pills are not “radiation antidotes”. They do not protect
against external radiation, or against any other radioactive substances
besides radioiodine. They may cause medical complications for some
individuals with poorly functioning kidneys. Potassium iodide should be
taken only when there is a clear public health recommendation
WHO Japan Nuclear Concerns FAQ – Health Effects 29 March
WHO Japan Nuclear Concerns FAQ – Personal Protective Measures 29 March