More uncertainty in Japan
Reports are all over the board when it comes to the status of the nuclear plant situation in Japan - ranging from low radiation has been released all the way to the rods have melted down. With a lack of consistent and credible information available, the media should be the voice of fact, reason and calm. What are they doing instead? MELTDOWN! Is America next? Glenn goes over the latest on what we know and don't know in Japan on radio today. Ref. Source 6
Japan earthquake and tsunami - latest updates: Wednesday
7.34am: Japan's nuclear crisis is now a level 6, according to French experts, one below the Chernobyl disaster. Ref. Source 2
China Syndrome?
Without water to cool nuclear fuel rods, temperatures above 1,600 degrees Fahrenheit can melt the metal that covers uranium pellets inside the rods, said nuclear consultant Douglas Chin of MPR Associates in Alexandria, Va., an engineering firm. Ref. Source 5
I like the fact that the nuclear power stations survived a very strong quake and then a tsunami. They lost power and the diesel back up went on line but was knocked out by the waves. Then the back up batteries went on line to hold the reactor in check for eight hours. I think this has taught all nuclear plants that there still needs to be another line of defense incase something like this hits other nuclear sites. I have to say I am impressed with the back up plans. Now we just need to know what really is going on without all the hype.
Fresh fears at stricken Fukushima plant
Local Ireland News
White smoke or steam has been seen pouring from the nuclear plant in Fukushima where three explosions have taken place. Source: RTÉ News
Japan tries to pull nuclear plant back from brink
Japan's nuclear crisis appeared to be spinning out of control after workers withdrew briefly from a stricken power plant because of surging radiation levels and a helicopter failed to drop water on the most troubled reactor. Ref. Source 9
Looking at the exploded buildings and listening to what some of the news agencies are saying I am not to sure if the fuel is contained or not. I think the 50 they are calling them are doing all they can to try to make sure that this does not turn out to be a meltdown.