Dangerous Breach Suspected at Japan Nuclear Plant

What does this mean? Doubt if anyone knows for sure but the fact that two men wading into water who received burns because the nuclear level was much higher is not good news. Is it the 'sky is falling' news we have been hearing out of a lot of broadcasters? We doubt it. Right now no one knows for sure the danger to the surrounding area. The information became available a little over an hour ago and the experts are still waiting for more details from testing. The good news is that the plants are shut down so a Chernobyl cannot happen in Japan.

What does this possible breach mean? Other than mandatory evacuations, we have no idea. If there is a breach there will be a release of more contaminents but the worst thing that could happen would be a core meltdown and all sources say that is not going to happen.

In other developments

Nuclear and Industrial Safety Agency spokesman Hidehiko Nishiyama said later that plant operator Tokyo Electric Power Co. was issued a "very strong warning" for safety violations and that a thorough review would be conducted once the situation stabilizes.

Looks like Tepco is finally going to be investigated which looks like it should have happened a long time ago. We are still shocked that they were allowed to put spent rods in pools on top of buildings in an earthquake zone.

We will update this story as more details are released.

Dangerous Breach Suspected at Japan Nuclear Plant
Mar 25, 2011 – 9:10 AM READING THIS NOW

Jay Alabaster and Shino Yuasa
AP

TOKYO -- A suspected breach in the core of a reactor at the stricken Fukushima nuclear plant could mean more serious radioactive contamination, Japanese officials revealed Friday, as the prime minister called the country's ongoing fight to stabalize the plant "very grave and serious."

A somber Prime Minister Naoto Kan sounded a pessimistic note at a briefing hours after nuclear safety officials announced what could be a major setback in the urgent mission to stop the plant from leaking radiation, two weeks after a devastating earthquake and tsunami disabled it.

"The situation today at the Fukushima Dai-ichi power plant is still very grave and serious. We must remain vigilant," Kan said. "We are not in a position where we can be optimistic. We must treat every development with the utmost care."

The uncertain situation halted work at the nuclear complex, where dozens had been trying feverishly to stop the overheated plant from leaking dangerous radiation. The plant has leaked some low levels of radiation, but a breach could mean a much larger release of contaminants.

Suspicions of a possible breach were raised when two workers waded into water 10,000 times more radioactive than is typical and suffered skin burns, the Nuclear and Industrial Safety Agency said.

(snip)

Previous radioactive emissions have come from intentional efforts to vent small amounts of steam through valves to prevent the core from bursting. However, releases from a breach could allow uncontrolled quantities of radioactive contaminants to escape into the surrounding ground or air.

Government spokesman Yukio Edano said "safety measures may not be adequate" and warned that may contribute to rising anxiety among people about how the disaster is being managed.

"We have to make sure that safety is secured for the people working in that area. We truly believe that is incumbent upon us," the chief Cabinet secretary told reporters.

Edano said people living 12 to 20 miles (20 to 30 kilometers) from the plant should still be safe from the radiation as long as they stay indoors. But since supplies are not being delivered to the area fast enough, he said it may be better for residents in the area to voluntarily evacuate to places with better facilities.

"If the current situation is protracted and worsens, then we will not deny the possibility of (mandatory) evacuation," he said.

(snip)

Excerpt: Read More at AOL News about how Japan is coping with the aftermath of the earthquake and tsunami. Very sad situation for those areas of Japan hit by the tsunami.

In a blow to the Japanese economy, Nissan Motors may move part of its engine plant line to the United States because of the severe damage their plant took in Japan.

One thing we will say in high praise of the Japanese is that they have had zero looting. Some thugs in this country need to take a look and see what you do in an emergency situation and that is help your neighbors not steal from them. The looting that goes on in this Country after a disaster is shameful.