DHAKA: A generation ago, Dr Akira Sugenoya performed lifesaving cancer surgery on more than 100 children after the 1986 Chernobyl catastrophe.

Today, as mayor of a central Japanese city, he’s trying to avoid a repeat of his own history.

Beginning in April, parents living in the shadow of the Fukushima nuclear disaster will be able to send their children about 300km away to his city, Matsumoto, to go to school.

The city will pay 1.4 million yen a year for a six-bedroom house and caretakers; parents won`t pay tuition but will cover expenses such as utilities and meals.

‘If my fears turn out to be unfounded, nothing would be better news,’ Dr Sugenoya said in a recent interview with international media at Matsumoto city hall, reports, The Straits Times.

BDST: 1923 HRS, OCT 22, 2013
RoR/GCP