Kenya Closes Embassy in Japan over Nuclear Radiation
Xinhua News Agency, March 19, 2011 Adjust font size:
Kenya has temporarily closed its embassy in Japan following high levels of nuclear radiation which is as a result of last week's earthquake and Tsunami.
A statement from Kenya's Foreign Affairs Ministry on Friday further advised Kenyans living in Japan to consider leaving the country.
"As a result of greater damage from the nuclear reactors, the mission has embarked on immediate evacuation of staff and their families from Japan," said the statement.
Those who wish to remain in the country. however, have been advised to follow instructions given by the Japanese government as it tries to save its citizens from toxic emissions.
"Strictly follow the advice of authorities as pertains to the Fukushima area including the set evacuation zones," said the statement.
In addition, those remaining were exhorted to avoid traveling to certain areas of Japan, specifically northeastern and Tokyo. They are also urged to relocate from the two regions and inform the embassy of their new locations. "The situation has deteriorated in the days since the tsunami and the Fukushima nuclear crisis, with fears of high radiation particles being blown beyond areas designated by authorities," the statement said. "Due to the greater damage and potential fall out from the reactor, the mission has embarked on immediate evacuation of mission staff plus their families from Japan," the statement added.
Japan's nuclear crisis is worsening as the Japanese authorities is attempting to contain nuclear reactors by water-bombing overheating power plants.
The Japanese authorities have informed people living in the areas around nuclear power plants to stay indoors.
The Japanese government has relocated over 200,000 people from the zone. Other countries including Britain and the United States have urged their citizens to leave Tokyo.