U.S. World War II bomb defused in Tokyo

TOKYO - A fire official says more than 16,000 people were evacuated from a Tokyo suburb while an unexploded 1-ton bomb believed was defused.

The bomb was believed to have been dropped by the U.S. military during World War II.

The rusty bomb was defused by a team from Japan’s Self-Defense Force in Chofu, on the outskirts of Tokyo, said Tokyo Fire Department official Shigeru Ishikawa.

“Residents stayed at nearby public schools for evacuation,” Ishikawa said. About 16,490 people had to leave their homes for about two hours, he said.

The bomb, believed to have been dropped by a B-29 bomber, was found by construction workers in March.

More from msnbc.com When's Palin leaving? Take our weekly quiz Looking at China unrest from Mongolian perch Adventures in Cancerland: Lust for life Red Tape: Credit card firms' new squeeze Elkhart Blog: Making sure health care isn't casualty

MORE FROM ASIA-PACIFIC

Asia-Pacific Section Front

Mosques in riot-hit Chinese city open for prayer Muslim women lead protests in restive west China Looking at China unrest from a Mongolian perch Last witness testifies in Myanmar trial China to relocate 400,000 after quake Anger and hatred on the streets of Urumqi Newsweek: How China is spinning Uighur unrest Asia-Pacific Section Front   Add Asia-Pacific headlines to your news reader: