Japan to lift some nuclear evacuation advisories

TOKYO – Japan's government has decided to lift evacuation advisories in some areas more than 12 miles (20 kilometers) from the country's crippled nuclear power plant.

The advisories warned residents to be prepared to leave in case of worsening conditions at the plant.

The government said Tuesday that about 25,000 people live in areas where the advisories will be lifted.

A 12-mile no-go zone will remain in place around the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear plant, where the cores of three reactors melted after being hit by a massive earthquake and tsunami on March 11.

Mandatory evacuation orders also remain in place in several high-radiation areas outside the 12-mile no-go zone.

More than 80,000 residents fled their homes due to the radiation threat.