Risk Going Up?

Again, the information regarding the Fukushima #1 power plant provided by TEPCO is below expectations in this type of situation. Also their history includes previous situation where they have hidden information. This makes it difficult not only for normal people to understand what is going on but also for external experts.

The latest development is that it is now feared that the spent fuel rods on top of Reactor #4 is fully exposed. Meaning the radiation levels there may be lethal and may prevent counter measures needed to keep Reactor #3 in a safe state. This has caused US government to recommend evacuation of US citizens within at least 80 km radius from Fukushima #1, or about 1/3 of the way between the power plan and Tokyo.

The strange thing is that this information is coming from CNN and not from Japanese government and TEPCO. It appears that US officials arrived today and they did not see what they expected in terms of the situation at Fukushima #1, which have lead to the evacuation recommendations etc.

While Chie and I are getting ready to go to the office we are also considering staying home. Reason? If the situation is as US government believes then the situation in the other reactors may deteriorate quickly since people cannot get close without risking death or at least severe health consequences.

The only positive news is that TEPCO think they have found a way to redirect electric power to the plant. This means that it may be possible to get the the cooling system running again, and pumps to pump water into the storage compartments of the spent fuel rods.

2 thoughts on “Risk Going Up?

  1. I think you should stay at home, just in case. Is it even possible to get any job done at the office right now, with the limited personnel and energy and all?

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