10/1/2011 Anti-nuclear rallies staged across US

Source: NHK World
Date: Sunday, October 02, 2011 09:16 +0900 (JST)
by: Shery Ahn


Anti-nuclear rallies have been staged across the United States amid growing concerns about the safety of the nation's more than 100 nuclear reactors.

Demonstrations held on Saturday at 15 locations in the US were inspired by the accident at Japan's Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant in March.

Americans are increasingly concerned about the safety of 104 nuclear reactors in the country. A recent tornado and an earthquake shut down over a dozen reactors on the east coast.

In New York City, people gathered at a park along the Hudson River to participate in a rally organized by a civic group.

The group is demanding the shutdown of the 40-year old Indian Point nuclear reactors in New York State. Roughly 20-million people live within 80 kilometers of the facility, which is located close to 2 earthquake fault lines.

A Japanese woman living in New York City told other participants that mothers in Fukushima are living in constant fear of exposure to radiation. She said everyday they must decide if it's safe to play outdoors and if their children should wear masks.

Some said the accident in Fukushima changed their opinions about nuclear power and they now think a meltdown could happen anywhere.

Others said radiation released into the environment is not just a tragedy for Japan but a problem for the entire international community.
Editor's Note: Map of Indian Point Energy Center appears below.

View Live Ustream Radiation Detectors in a larger map