The UN nuclear organization is considering opening an office in Fukushima to advise Japan on addressing the prolonged aftermath of the devastating nuclear accident.

Officials at the International Atomic Energy Agency say the plan came after Fukushima Governor Yuhei Sato handed a letter to its scientists visiting Japan last October.

He asked them to set up an office in the prefecture to give advice on decontamination and other technical matters linked to radiation.

They add that Foreign Minister Koichiro Gemba made a similar request last December.

IAEA chief Yukiya Amano is described as supporting the idea, but when to set up the office and how it will be staffed are not yet decided.

The agency says it will also consult with the Japanese government on ways to secure a budget.

News credit: http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/20120129_08.html

Image credit: http://www.innnews.co.th/images/news/2012/4/355341-01.jpg