A series of reports from the Independent Television Network examines how survivors of the deadly 8.9-magnitude earthquake and subsequent tsunami are coping with multiple crises. In the aftermath of the March 11 events, several explosions at nuclear plants have heightened fear about radiation exposure. The Japanese government is telling citizens that they are safe at a distance of 30 kilometers (about 19 miles). Nuclear bombs were dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan 65 years ago at the end of World War II. Fear still lingers about the deadly effects of that catastrophe. As supermarket shelves empty and strong aftershocks are still rattling the island nation, the airport is busy as people are trying flee. In small northern Japanese towns, survivors are still looking for loved ones and more than 10,000 people are missing from some towns. As the rescue mission continues, humanitarian workers fear the worst. Quotes "We've always been fed a myth that a severe accident couldn't actually happen here. Well, that myth has now been completely shattered. This will be a big change for Japan." Nagimachi Shuichi Warm Up Questions 1.What recent events have occurred in Japan? 2.What is nuclear power? 3.What happened in Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan at the end of World War II? Discussion Questions 1.How are the rescue efforts in Japan similar or different from those in Haiti, Chile and New Zealand? 2.Why is there a heightened fear about radiation leaks from nuclear plants? 3.If you were the Prime Minister of Japan, how would you address concerns about nuclear plant explosions and leaking radiation? Additional Resources Video transcript Download this Video