PARIS (AP) — France is bringing home its citizens from Japan on government planes and is sending 100 tons of boric acid to help stem radiation leaks from a damaged nuclear plant.
The French Foreign Ministry said in a statement Thursday that it "strongly advises against trips to Japan" and urges French citizens in the Tokyo region to head south or return to France.
France’s nuclear manufacturer Areva and utility EDF sent a plane on Thursday with 100 tons of boric acid, 10,000 protective uniforms, 20,000 pairs of gloves and 3000 protective masks.
France is a leading nuclear energy producer and has pledged to help Japanese authorities deal with their nuclear crisis.
Two French government planes are bringing home French people who want to leave Japan. One left Tokyo on Thursday for Seoul, with 241 people aboard.
