The State Department announced late Wednesday night that it has authorized for the relocation of families and dependents of U.S. officials looking to leave Northeast Japan.
The announcement is testament to the growing concern about the overheating nuclear reactors at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant.
U.S officials are also working to arrange the relocation of private American citizens out of the “danger zone,” a 50 mile radius of the Fukushima plant, according to a statement released by the State Department.
The department also indicated that U.S. military forces remain in Japan and are equipped with the full capability to defend and maintain peace in the country.