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 On Iran, top military officer sounds like Obama First Person images: America the Beautiful Veepstakes: Pick running mates for McCain, Obama Unauthorized ATM withdrawals all the rage |   Video How many Starbucks to be shut? Take our news quiz

MORE FROM ASIA-PACIFIC

Asia-Pacific Section Front

G-8 leaders face demands on climate, oil Hodgepodge of activists protest G-8 21 dead in China coal mine accident Quake-affected panda gives birth Bikes thrive in China despite car invasion Patriarch of outlawed church dies 50,000 South Koreans protest against U.S. beef Sailor ends 4,800-mile wave-powered trip Study: Orangutans could face extinction in wild Tibet vows to continue 'difficult' China talks Asia-Pacific Section Front   Add Asia-Pacific headlines to your news reader: