Fukushima's Ongoing Battle: A Century-Long Clean-up of Nuclear Debris

Fourteen years after the Fukushima Daiichi meltdown, radiation levels have decreased, but decommissioning efforts remain lengthy and challenging. Workers face intense radiation while managing a complex cleanup involving melted nuclear fuel. With technology like remote robots, progress is underway, though completion may take over a century.

Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant, the scene of one of history's worst nuclear disasters, continues to undergo significant cleanup 14 years post-meltdown. In many areas, workers can function with minimal protective gear, signaling reduced radiation levels.

However, those entering the reactor buildings, notably the three damaged in the 2011 earthquake and tsunami, require full protective equipment. The decommissioning process, marred by high radiation and operational setbacks, involves removing 880 tons of melted nuclear fuel, a task anticipated to extend beyond a century.

Technological innovations, like extendable robots, have seen both setbacks and successes in sampling the hazardous materials. Despite delays and challenges, measures for safe cleanup are evolving, aiming to eventually allow displaced residents a safe return, though substantial work remains.

(With inputs from agencies.)