Relatively low contamination levels in western Japan could be explained by mountain ranges sheltering those regions from the dispersal of radioactive material, the authors said.

BBC: Fukushima fallout fears over Japan farms

Miss Bhutto, who is in self-imposed exile sheltering from corruption charges, seemed willing to help if the general elections were to be free and fair.

ECONOMIST: Desperate efforts to cling to power

This figure may now be lower: torrential rain in late September drove many refugees down from the mountains, where they were sheltering under plastic sheeting and tarpaulins, into nearby towns.

ECONOMIST: Getting ready for war