The Japanese government asked Monday residents in some areas near a stricken nuclear power plant to leave due to accumulating radiation, DPA reported.
Those who live in Iitate Village, Katsurao Village, Namie Town and part of Minami Soma City and part of Kawamata Town were asked to leave the area within a month amid the protracted crisis at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station.
The plant was crippled by the March 11 earthquake and ensuing tsunami, leading to fires, blasts and radiation leaks.
The government left 20-kilometre exclusion zone as it is. Those who live within 20 to 30 kilometres from the plant have been advised to stay indoors or "leave voluntarily."