Japan opens part of last town off-limits since nuclear leaks

 Japan's government on Wednesday opened part of last town that h been off-limits due to riation since Fukushima nuclear disaster nine years ago, in a symbolic move to show region's recovery ahe of Tokyo Olympics.

entire population of 7,000 was forced to evacuate Futaba after three reactors melted down due to dam at town's nuclear plant caused by a magnitude 9. 0 quake and tsunami March 11, 2011.

partial lifting of entry ban comes weeks before Olympic torch starts from ar town in Fukushima. torch could also arrive in Futaba, about 4 kilometers (2.4 miles) from wrecked nuclear plant.

Unrestricted access, however, is only being allowed to a 2.4 square-kilometer (less than 1 square-mile) area near main Futaba train station, which will reopen later this month to reconnect it with rest of region for first time since accident. vast majority of Futaba is restricted to those who get permission for a day visit.

three reactor meltdowns at town's Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear power plant spewed massive amounts of riation that contaminated surrounding area and at its peak, forced more than 160,000 people to flee.

gate at a checkpoint was opened at midnight Tuesday, and Futaba officials placed a signboard at ir new town office.

“I'm overwhelmed with emotion as we finally bring part of our town operations back to our home town," said Futaba Mayor Shiro Izawa. “I pledge to steily push forward our recovery and reconstruction."

Town officials say y hope to see Futaba’s former residents return, but prospects are grim because of lingering concern about riation. Many residents also found new jobs and ties to communities after evacuating, and only about 10% say y plan to return.

Futaba's registered residents alrey has decreased by 1,000 from its pre-disaster population of 7,000. Many evacuees ended up in Kazo City, rth of Tokyo, after long bus trips, various stopovers and stays in shelters at an athletic arena and an abandoned high school. town's government reopened in a makeshift office in ar Fukushima town of Iwaki.

Even after riation levels declined to safe levels, region's farming and fishing are hurt by lingering concerns among consumers and retailers. nuclear plant is being decommission in a process that will take deces and it is building temporary stor for massive amounts of debris and soil from ongoing decontamination efforts.