-English Proverb
The Fukushima 50 is a name given by the Western media to describe the workers who've struggled to control the Fukushima nuclear disaster.
By March 12th, 2011 a day after the Tohuku Earthquake and Tsunami things weren't looking good at the crippled Fukushima nuclear power plant. It became clear that reactors 1, 2 and 3 had experienced full meltdown. A hydrogen explosion occurred the same day. Around 800 workers were still onsite.
On March 15th a hydrogen explosion occurred that started a massive fire at reactor 4. A total of 750 workers were evacuated — 50 workers volunteered to stay behind. This incident was one of the peak radiation events at Fukushima. The government is still tight lipped about how much exposure the 50 workers were subjected to.
Fukushima 1000
Since March 15th, 2011 critical work at the Fukushima site has been performed by skilled staff from TEPCO, Toshiba, Hitachi, Kajima Construction Corporation, Taisei Corporation, Tokyo Fire Department (as well as the fire departments of Osaka, Kobe, Kyoto, Nagoya, Kawasaki and Yokohama), U.S. Marine Corps, Kandenko Company and Hazama Corporation.In total, at least 1000 workers have been involved (on site). Workers are rotated in and out. The Western media still (commonly) refers to such workers as the Fukushima 50. The Japanese media have also latched on to the term.
Over 20 workers have been injured at the Fukushima. Two men have been seriously injured. The long term health prospects for Fukushima's workers is still unknown.
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