Japanese court orders government and operator of Fukushima to pay $4.5m to victims of 2011 disaster
The 3,800 plaintiffs who sued in 2015 are the largest group among about 30 similar lawsuits involving 12,000 people pending across the country
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A Japanese court has ordered the government and the Fukushima nuclear plant operator to pay the equivalent of around $4.5m (£3.4m) to thousands of former residents who demanded damages for their livelihoods lost in the 2011 nuclear crisis.
The Fukushima District Court on Tuesday said the government had failed to order Tokyo Electric Power Co. to improve safety measures despite knowing as early as 2002 of a risk of a massive tsunami in the region.
The 3,800 plaintiffs who sued in 2015 are the largest group among about 30 similar lawsuits involving 12,000 people pending across the country.
It was the second verdict that held the government accountable in the Fukushima meltdowns, following a decision in March by the Maebashi district court.
AP
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments