Just How Bad Has Fukushima Become?

Fukushima Now: A look at the ongoing clean-up operations at Fukushima, the site of Japan's worst nuclear disaster

For downloads and more information visit: http://www.journeyman.tv/?lid=65039&b...

As the authorities work out how to deal with the nuclear nightmare at Fukushima, the clean-up drags on. Fearing radioactive contamination, the consequences of the disaster continue to define residents' lives.

"After the accident the situation in the plant got worse and worse, the radiation levels rose higher. To be honest, we didn't know if we could control it", admits one of the Fukushima plant workers. Outside the plant walls, the town remains deserted. "Everyone is worried about the radiation", says the mother of seven-year-old Chie. Children from the surrounding areas are not allowed to play outside and cattle have developed a new disease. The traffic lights are still working, but just about nothing else is in the ghost town. The continued fears over health risks mix with a sense of a betrayal by the government. "Japanese government policy is very strange. We have been deceived by the government and the electric company." Despite voluntary efforts to revitalise the area, it seems there is little hope of reversing the fate of this radioactive wasteland. "There has been no progress. Things have not changed."

SBS Dateline - Ref. 5737

Journeyman Pictures is your independent source for the world's most powerful films, exploring the burning issues of today. We represent stories from the world's top producers, with brand new content coming in all the time. On our channel you'll find outstanding and controversial journalism covering any global subject you can imagine wanting to know about.