Fukushima nuclear tragedy hovers over Japan and region 11 years after tsunami and accident

According to the IAEA, nuclear energy had been a strategic priority in Japan since the 1960s, supplying almost a third of the country's electricity. The Fukushima disaster put an end to Japan's nuclear energy program.

Today, less than five percent of Japan's electricity is provided by nine nuclear power plants that remain operational. These plants too will be phased out.

The IAEA classified Fukushima as a "Level 7" nuclear accident, which means it had widespread health and environmental impacts.

There have only been two "Level 7" accidents in history. The first was at Chernobyl, often referred to as the world's worst nuclear accident.

The accidents at both Chernobyl and Fukushima have also drawn comparisons to the accident at Three Mile Island nuclear power plant, in the US. It was a "level 5" nuclear accident that took place on March 28, 1979.

Chernobyl had a higher death toll than Fukushima.

Within three months of the disaster, more than 30 people had died from acute radiation sickness. Today, scientists estimate that tens, perhaps even hundreds, of thousands of people were severely affected by the catastrophe.

The accident at Fukushima was not quite as devastating. Although it did not directly kill anyone, it did result in about 1,600 stress-related deaths.

karlwilson@chinadailyapac.com