nuclear-news

Serious problems continue at Fukushima nuclear plant

Snapshot: Japan’s nuclear crisis Mar 20, 2011 TOKYO (Reuters) – Following are main developments after a massive earthquake and tsunami devastated northeast Japan and crippled a nuclear power station, raising the risk of uncontrolled radiation.
IAEA says some positive developments but overall situation remains very serious.

– Reactors at the stricken Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant are showing some improvement but the situation remains uncertain, Tetsuro Fukuyama, Japan’s deputy chief cabinet secretary, says.

– The operator of the crippled nuclear power plant said it may take several days for power to be restored at the No.3 and No.4 reactors.

– Engineers have attached a power cable to the Nos. 1, 5 and 6 reactors, and hope to restore electricity on Monday prior to an attempt to switch the pumps on. Electricity restored at No. 2 reactor.

– Japan government spokesman says there is some stabilization at the most critical No.3 reactor.

– Engineers meanwhile are using diesel generators for less critical reactors No.5 and No.6 reactors. Temperature in spent fuel pools at reactors No. 5 and 6 are returning to normal……..

– If engineers are unable to cool the reactor, the last option would be entombing the plant with concrete and sand to prevent a catastrophic radiation leak, the method used at Chernobyl in Ukraine in 1986.

– Tests detect radiation above the national safety level in spinach and milk produced near the Fukushima plant. A sample of tap water from Tokyo shows a tiny level of radioactive.

– The health ministry said that radiation levels exceeded safety standards in Fukushima and nearby Ibaraki prefecture. It said it had prohibited the sale of raw milk from Fukushima prefecture.

Snapshot: Japan’s nuclear crisis | Reuters

March 22, 2011 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | - Fukushima 2011