Japan moves people beyond bigger Fukushima no-go zone

People left their homes in the two towns of Kawamata and Iitate to spend their first night in evacuation centres.

Japanese engineers have abandoned their latest attempt to stabilise a stricken reactor at the Fukushima plant.

The power plant was badly damaged by the earthquake and tsunami on 11 March.

The new evacuation zone was decided upon last month as radiation levels were expected to increase, making the move necessary.

The towns are more than 30km (19 miles) from the Fukushima plant, which is continuing to leak radioactive material.

About 5,000 people have been moved into public housing, hotels and other facilities in nearby cities.

The mayor of Kawamata, Michio Furukawa, told the first group of evacuees: ''I know you are worried but we will overcome difficulties together''.

More evacuations are expected in the coming days.

Efforts to control the collapse of Fukushima are continuing to face problems.

The plant's operator, Tokyo Electric Power Company (Tepco), had intended to cool reactor 1 by filling the containment chamber with water.

The government and Tepco said it would take until next January to achieve a cold shut-down at the plant.

Last week the government agreed a huge compensation package for those affected by the disaster.

Analysts say the final bill for compensation could top $100bn (£61bn). Kazinform cites BBC. See www.bbc.co.uk for full version