Israel warns nationals to leave Tokyo over radiation fears

Thu Mar17, 2011 23:24:12

Jerusalem, March 17 (Xinhua) -- Citing possible high radiation levels in clouds emanating from several shattered nuclear power plants in northern Japan, the Israeli Foreign Ministry on Thursday recommended that Israeli visitors leave Japan's capital city of Tokyo immediately due to leaks.

"Israelis are advised to leave Tokyo towards the south and even to consider departing from the country entirely," the Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

The statement also advised Israeli nationals planning trips to the earthquake and tsunami-stricken country to put off their trip "until the situation becomes clear."

After the third explosion in the reactor of the Fukushima nuclear power, Japanese officials are warning locals to stay indoors, after measurements showed harmful elevated radiation levels around the plant.

As well, the United States and more than a dozen other countries have either called on their nationals to leave the area and Japan as well, or move as far southward as possible, citing the immensity of the combined disasters. Editor: Mu Xuequan