Thousands leaving Japan because of radiation fears

Romulus, Mich. (WXYZ) - The possibility of radiation contamination is rattling nerves in Japan, causing some to book flights home.

Clarissa Codrington was back in the arms of her parents tonight. She says it was the threat of nuclear fallout that had her packing to leave Japan pretty quickly. “I feel kinda like maybe I am overreacting, but at the same time, I’d rather be wrong. I hope I’m wrong but then still be safe.“

The 27-year-old from Ann Arbor has been teaching English to preschool children in a city outside of Tokyo. She was there for the earthquake and tsunami but after the trouble at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear plant, Codrington and one of her classmates decided to leave Japan.

Clarissa says she is relieved to be home, but doesn’t know how long she will stay. “I didn’t want to be in Tokyo if there’s a panic. It’s better to be safe than sorry, for sure.”