'Fukushima 50' — Skeleton Crew Stays to Prevent Catastrophe

When TEPCO temporarily withdrew most workers from Fukushima Daiichi on March 15 amid fears of massive radiation release, approximately 50–70 workers remained on site to maintain cooling operations, monitor reactor conditions, and prevent complete loss of control. Working in intense radiation, limited protective equipment, and without adequate food or sleep, these workers prevented what many experts believe would have been a far larger catastrophe. Many subsequently exceeded annual radiation dose limits. The term 'Fukushima 50' became internationally recognized as a symbol of sacrifice.