Former Mayor Tatsuya Murakami, known for his role in managing a nuclear accident in Tokai village back in 1999, has recently voiced his criticism towards the central government’s lack of disaster preparedness. Murakami, now 81 years old, highlighted the government’s negligence in planning for potential nuclear accidents, stating that they only focus on the use of nuclear energy without considering the possibility of accidents.
In 1999, a criticality accident occurred at a nuclear fuel-processing facility in Tokai, resulting in the deaths of two workers and the exposure of more than 660 local residents to radiation. Murakami played a crucial role in overseeing the evacuation of residents during the aftermath of the tragic incident.
His remarks shed light on the importance of having comprehensive disaster preparedness plans in place, especially in areas where nuclear facilities are present. The incident serves as a reminder of the devastating consequences that can occur if proper precautions are not taken.