Japan has lifted an evacuation order in a small area near the Fukushima nuclear power plant, clearing the way for residents to return to their homes for the first time since since a tsunami hit in 2011.
The decision that took effect Tuesday allows 357 people back into the Miyakoji section of Tamura, after the government said radiation levels were low enough.
The area is about 20 kilometers inland from the plant, where the earthquake-triggered tsunami led to a meltdown of three nuclear reactors.
The disaster forced more than 100,000 people from the area. Many of them still live in temporary housing.
Engineers say it will take at least four decades to complete the dismantling of the plant.
The decision that took effect Tuesday allows 357 people back into the Miyakoji section of Tamura, after the government said radiation levels were low enough.
The area is about 20 kilometers inland from the plant, where the earthquake-triggered tsunami led to a meltdown of three nuclear reactors.
The disaster forced more than 100,000 people from the area. Many of them still live in temporary housing.
Engineers say it will take at least four decades to complete the dismantling of the plant.