Posted Apr. 15, 2015 at 7:03 AM

Updated at 8:37 AM

A nuclear power plant study group says communities within 50 miles — instead of the current 10-mile radius — need to prepare for potential disasters at the Indian Point nuclear power plant in Buchanan.

The Disaster Accountability Project says in a new report that residents of communities as far away from the plant as 50 miles are likely to evacuate in case of any such emergency at the power plant. They call that “shadow evacuation.”

It is important, the group says, because the additional people on the move out of the area will clog evacuation routes and slow the flight of those within the more critical 10-mile zone to safety.

At present, the federal government requires emergency planning specific to Indian Point only within the 10-mile zone, which includes Orange County in the lower mid-Hudson.

The group recommends governments within 50 miles do detailed, specific planning about evacuations triggered by Indian Point. The wider circle includes portions of Sullivan and Ulster counties as well as New York City and parts of Long Island and New Jersey.

Check back with recordonline.com for more details and response from local officials.