Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Japan's government called for more transparency

"M-9" is now the name used by Japanese newspapers to discuss the earthquake that devastated the north-eastern Japan, with reference to the recent reassessment of its magnitude. In the Japanese media, the columnists are now calling for the mobilization of everyone, not least by saving electricity consumed already rationed in some areas following the serial blasts that hit nuclear plant Fukushima.

"Rescue and assistance: distribute enough basic necessities," wrote the editorialist of the day the Yomiuri Shimbun daily conservative first printing of the country. "Magnitude 9: more aid, food, water and medicine", as the Asahi Shimbun, a center-left rival. If relief to victims is a central concern, especially journalists urged the government to communicate more frankly about the reality of the nuclear situation.

After the disaster, the newspapers quickly criticized the government for its slowness, and continue to demand greater transparency. "Explanations on radioactive leaks and the explosion of Fukushima that provided by the authorities are too vague. The government feared a panic reaction probably exaggerated if they give too many details, but must keep in mind that a precise and accurate information is necessary for public safety, "concludes the Mainichi Shimbun, labeled a rightist, in his editorial that an English version is available online.

The Mainichi also denounces the opaque management of nuclear actors: "Energy companies are very slow to disseminate information on the damage at their plants. It was not until March 13 in the afternoon that TEPCO has announced an increase in the levels of radioactivity at the site of Onagawa when he had detected in the early morning.

"Spokesperson the government just "judge it unlikely that any new explosion" at the Fukushima plant and still refuses to talk about nuclear disaster. So that the Sankei Shimbun business daily from right, replied by a column: "The government, to ensure optimal security for victims, evacuated everyone within a 20 km radius around the plant, but gave no explanation about the circumstances of such a measure.

We must reflect on this point. And make a quick change of method. [...] The feeling of insecurity increases when people do not have credible and reliable ". Saturday morning, hours after the announcement of a nuclear explosion, a disturbing chain of emails spread among the population, warning against radioactive rain, and urging residents not to leave without an umbrella.

A rumor that is reminiscent of the famous black rain fell once on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Most Tokyoites have received this message on their cell phones several times. The Asahi was quick to issue explanations of experts denying the possibility of such a disaster. Antoine Bouthier

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