radiation effects from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster are the observed and predicted effects as a result of the release of radioactive isotopes from the Fukushima Daiichii Nuclear Power Plant following the 2011 Tōhoku 9.0 magnitude earthquake and tsunami ( Great East Japan Earthquake and the resultant tsunami ) . The release of radioactive isotopes from reactor containment vessels was a result of venting in order to reduce gaseous pressure , and the discharge of coolant water into the sea . This resulted in Japanese authorities implementing a 30-km exclusion zone around the power plant and the continued displacement of approximately 156,000 people as of early 2013 . The number of evacuees has declined to 49,492 as of March 2018 . Large quantities of radioactive particles from the incident , including iodine-131 and caesium-134 / 137 , have since been detected around the world . Substantial levels have been seen in California and in the Pacific Ocean
2011 Tōhoku 9.0 magnitude earthquake and tsunami
2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami
Radiation effects from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster