Comprehension: Sun, Sand, Surf and Radiation in Shadow of Fukushima

Pristine golden sands and towering waves, this Japanese beach resembles a surfers' paradise, but along the coast lurks Fukushima's crippled nuclear power plant.

Watch the video and answer the questions below.  Decide if the statements are True or False.

1. Toyoma is fifteen kilometres from the Fukushima nuclear power plant.
a. True
b. False

2. TEPCO releases regular data on the contamination of the sea.
a. True
b. False

3. Before the disaster, Toyoma used to attract surfers from all over the world to compete in events.
a. True
b. False

For transcript and answers see below.

Transcript and Answers:

Pristine golden sands and towering waves, this Japanese beach resembles a surfers’ paradise. But along the coast lurks a silent danger. Toyoma lies just 50 kilometres from Fukushima’s crippled nuclear power plant. Yet, despite lingering fears of radiation, surfers still come, seeking to catch the latest swell. 

"I’m worried, but not enough to stop surfing. If I had to worry about what I ate or where I lived all the time I’d be too stressed. I just try not to think about it.” 

The plant went into meltdown in March 2011 after it was hit by a huge earthquake-generated tsunami. Operator TEPCO has faced repeated criticisms that it can’t cope with the vast volume of radioactive water at the site. 300 tonnes of toxic liquid escaped in a leak this month. TEPCO says some of that liquid may have flowed into the Pacific Ocean. 

"We, as an NGO, can get measurements of caesium done, but we have no access to the equipment for measuring the levels of tritium and strontium. It’s vital that TEPCO or the government releases regular and reliable data on the contamination by these isotopes." 

Before the disaster, surfers from around the world travelled to Toyoma to compete in events. Today, only a few locals frequent the beach and youngsters don’t tend to surf here anymore. The local economy’s been badly hit as a result. 

 “Since last year, surfers have begun to return little by little. But compared to three years ago my sales are down between 30 and 50 percent.” 

Of those that still surf here, some say they’ll stop if the situation at the plant worsens. But for others, the draw of the waves will always prove too strong. 

Answers:
1. b
2. b
3. a

For information about eflex languages go to: http://www.eflexlanguages.com/
For a demonstration of our courses go to: http://www.eflexenglish.com/demo
Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eflexlanguages
Follow us on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/eflexlanguages