Futaba to lift evacuation orders in two Fukushima districts

The town of Futaba in Fukushima Prefecture has announced plans to lift evacuation orders for two administrative districts within its “specified living areas for returnees” by December 2024. These areas, San-aza and Hatori, are located within the difficult-to-return zones established following the 2011 nuclear accident.

The decision to move up the timeline follows successful progress in decontamination efforts and the development of essential infrastructure, such as electricity and water services. This move marks the first time evacuation orders will be lifted in these specific types of designated living areas across the six municipalities in Fukushima Prefecture affected by the disaster.

A third district, Shimonagatsuka, is still expected to have its evacuation order lifted by the end of March 2026. Decontamination work in Futaba’s specified living areas, which cover approximately 700 hectares across nine districts, began in December 2023.