Nuclear leaks after Japan quake are worse than first reported
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
In the wake of yesterday's earthquakes, Japan is today reporting that leaks at the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa Nuclear Power Plant are worse than first reported.
In addition to a leak of 315 gallons (1200 liters) of radioactive water into the Sea of Japan, reports say that drums with nuclear waste lost their lids and radioactive gases cobalt-60, chromium-51 and iodine were released into the atmosphere. Several pipes are also reported to have broken.
Officials are also reporting 50 different problems at the plant of "malfunctioning and trouble," but officials would not comment further on the damage other than calling the issues "minor."
Related news
- "Two strong earthquakes jolt Japan" — Wikinews, July 16, 2007
Sources
- George Nishiyama. "Quake caused radiation leak, nuclear plant admits" — Sydney Morning Herald, July 17, 2007
- Eric Talmadge. "Dozens of Problems at Quake-Hit Plant" — Forbes, July 17, 2007
- "Japan admits more nuclear leaks" — BBC News Online, July 17, 2007
- "Report: Nuclear waste drums lose lids in Japan quake" — CNN, July 17, 2007