36 Batswana to be evacuated from Japan

A press release from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation in Gaborone stated that in view of possible consequences of radiation from the reported four damaged reactors at Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Plant, the government has decided to bring home a total of 36 Batswana as a matter of urgency.

It stated that it is still not clear what both the short and long-term effects of the triple disasters of earthquake, tsunami and nuclear radioactivity would be.  "Strong aftershocks continue to be experienced and seismologists predict another earthquake of high magnitude," it stated. Deputy Director for Public Relations, Research and Information Department Daphne Mlotshwa said in an interview that the 36 are students, Botswana Embassy staff members and their families.  However, she said they could not tell if they were the only Batswana in Japan.