5 likely died of starvation in no-entry zone

NHK has learned that at least 5 people probably died of starvation after being stranded in the evacuation zone around the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant following the disaster last year.

The earthquake and tsunami that struck eastern Japan in March last year left 1,605 people dead in Fukushima Prefecture.

Local authorities in the area say that at least 5 others found later in the no-entry zone around the Fukushima nuclear plant had starved to death.

The government evacuated residents around the plant after the accident.

But some people were left behind. One man in his 70s, who lived about 5 kilometers from the plant, was found in late March on the 2nd floor of his home. The 1st floor had sustained damage from the tsunami.

A woman in her 60s was found dead last April inside her home, where she lived alone. She had had trouble walking.

All of the 5 dead were found grossly under weight.

Police and medical authorities examined the 5 bodies and said they appeared to have been stranded, either because they were unable to evacuate on their own or could not ask for help.