As fears grow of an imminent meltdown, thousands of people have flooded to Tokyo's Haneda airport. They're hoping to catch flights to other parts of Japan or other countries.

There was no sense of panic.

People lined up calmly at ticket counters.

But unlike a normal working day, mothers and couples with children formed the bulk of passengers.

Many said there was no clear message from the government about safety, and that it was prudent to take young children out of the city.

Traveller, said, "Well we decided to leave before Tokyo gets chaotic we just feel it's better to get away now."

Winds are pushing radioactive clouds towards the Japanese capital.

But the government has insisted the radioactivity will be not be dangerous by the time it reaches Tokyo, some 200 kilometers south of the nuclear plant.

But many are taking matters into their own hands.

Stephen Ling, US Citizen, said, "I don't know if it's common knowledge but it affects children and the elderly the most and I think everyone is scared for their child's sake, and trying to get their kids out first."

Increases in radiation levels in Tokyo have been detected.

But the government has made no recommendations to stay indoors.

Many foreign companies have been advising employees to work from home, or leave the city.