Japan damage ‘long-term’

SOME people evacuated from around Japan’s stricken nuclear power plant may not be able to return to their homes for “a long time” due to projections that high contamination levels will linger, top government officials have said.

Cabinet members said the government is considering providing additional support for evacuees, including long-term housing rather than the pre-fabricated temporary homes currently being built.

The plant was damaged in the March 11 earthquake and tsunami.