Official MJJC Support Thread - Japanese Tsunami [Archive] - The Michael Jackson Community

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bluemoonchild

11-03-2011, 07:48 AM

Hello dears,

just heard the news, and I'm sure you heard it by now too - a terrible Tsunami hit Japan, and maybe other places will be affected soon. Let us all stand together and support everyone in the area.

Let's pray for our extended MJJC family :angel:

Betty

JMie

11-03-2011, 07:56 AM

my thoughts are with them. it's so horrible...

qbee

11-03-2011, 08:04 AM

qbee

11-03-2011, 08:24 AM

Tsunami warnings are now now in effect
for entire west coast of the United States and Canada

*Little Suzie*

11-03-2011, 08:29 AM

It's horrible :( ...

soulmum

11-03-2011, 08:31 AM

My thoughts and prayers go out to all of those affected. Gob bless them.

Angela_MJJ

11-03-2011, 08:40 AM

OMG I just saw a video online about it. It's horrible!

mj_lover12121

11-03-2011, 08:52 AM

My prays go out to all affected :pray: May god bless you all
xoxo

Ankita

11-03-2011, 08:54 AM

I miss Michael every moment and I cry so much, but since yeasterday I had been thinking of us-the fan family scattered allover the world and I just started praying that everyone will be ok. I kept praying "Dear God, I love 'each' and 'every' fan so much, we are family, please keep us safe and in your care, becuase my heart is feeling very heavy and I want to send everyone my love and want them to be safe. I'm feeling so restless and sad inside, even scared. Please bless us." It was as if my heart could sense something terrible was about to happen.
And then I woke up to this horrible news. I can't stop crying..I rushed to the forum to start a thread 'to pray' and I thank you for starting this much needed thread. Japan, and every place on my beautiful planet Earth is in my prayers.

I send all my love and best wishes and blessings to each and every member of the beautiful Michael Jackson fan family. God bless us all :angel:(Amen)

souldreamer7

11-03-2011, 08:54 AM

Been watching about Japan for the last 30 minutes... It's reached out to Russia New Zealand to South America to Hawaii -Pacific Coast California to Canada Any Coast Citys.. Alaska.. Wow!

:angel: I pray. :angel:

a link for world news about the 8.9 earthquake(s) & tsunami

http://www.youtube.com/aljazeeraenglish?feature=ticker

Tsunami warning /watch for entire West Coast of USA, Hawaii,Puerto Rico,South America,Alaska Canada...Thailand (Asia), Russia,Australia.. + more

*Little Suzie*

11-03-2011, 09:07 AM

I wish I could do something :(...

Maria MJ

11-03-2011, 09:18 AM

My prayers go out to them all. Trying to contact some online friends in Japan and staying alert for updates on help.

The Healer

11-03-2011, 09:28 AM

We are really helpless when it comes to raging mother-nature....
Sending my love to the ppl in danger.

Hope

11-03-2011, 09:28 AM

Stay strong, Japan...

thrillerchild

11-03-2011, 09:29 AM

Prayers go to all who are affected :( I can't believe what I'm seeing. How many Japanese members do we have here btw?

PlatinumMJFan

11-03-2011, 09:31 AM

I pray to God that no one else dies.

souldreamer7

11-03-2011, 09:31 AM

I'm praying too. :pray: for everyone affected... I feel bad for any human and living thing harmed.

:angel:

Femkela

11-03-2011, 09:33 AM

my thoughts go out to everyone who is affected by the quakes and tsunamis. On television it looks just terrible. I can't imagine how it must feel to be there. I hope they will be ok.

MJsBack

11-03-2011, 09:33 AM

Prayers go to all who are affected :( I can't believe what I'm seeing. How many Japanese members do we have here btw?

Don´t matter how many memembers of MJJC.....or MJ fans! Just think of the babies, children, youngsters...SO SAD!:no:

Hicci

11-03-2011, 09:35 AM

I pray for everyone in Japan :pray: And R.I.P. to everyone who has died :(

thrillerchild

11-03-2011, 09:36 AM

Don´t matter how many memembers of MJJC.....or MJ fans! Just think of the babies, children, youngsters...SO SAD!:no:

Trust me the latter were the first on my mind!!! I was only enquiring as to any board members there were.

souldreamer7

11-03-2011, 09:38 AM

I'm hearing it's up to 32 people have now been reported to have passed on :no:
They say the numbers will rise by the minute to hundreds.

:pray:

MJsBack

11-03-2011, 09:44 AM

Trust me the latter were the first on my mind!!! I was only enquiring as to any board members there were.

i Know what you mean..don´t worry ;)....I can assure you we have many MJ fans around there............

MJsBack

11-03-2011, 09:46 AM

i Know what you mean..don´t worry ;)....I can assure you we have many MJ fans around there..................:angel:

*Little Suzie*

11-03-2011, 10:01 AM

Don´t matter how many memembers of MJJC.....or MJ fans! Just think of the babies, children, youngsters...SO SAD!:no:

Prayers go to all who are affected :( I can't believe what I'm seeing. How many Japanese members do we have here btw?

I care for them both!
Don't make a exception! Remember we're all human with feelings, and love.
I wondering how the japanese MJJC members are now? :S
Children and babies who are may dying makes me sick :'( ..

MJsBollywoodGirl7

11-03-2011, 10:04 AM

my thoughts go out to everyone who is affected by the quakes and tsunamis. On television it looks just terrible. I can't imagine how it must feel to be there. I hope they will be ok.

Same here

It was one of the first things that I had heard the minute I had gotten up this morning. I was really shock when I saw the devastation there. I can only imagine what those poor people are going through.

tatsunak

11-03-2011, 11:35 AM

I am Japanese living in Tokyo aftershock still there. very scary....

Alma

11-03-2011, 11:36 AM

May God help Japan and all of us... Don't know what else to say..

Admin

11-03-2011, 12:11 PM

I would like to take this opportunity on behalf of our entire community to send our prayers and thoughts to the people of Japan and the surrounding area's.

We must as a community all come together and support our friends in the Asian area.

also please if all our Japanese members cold check in here so we know your are safe and well.

Best Regards

The Michael Joseph Jackson Community

ukutan

11-03-2011, 12:17 PM

We "Japanese" received Loves and Prayers from you, all over the world.
We all Be strong, never Give up!

ukutan

11-03-2011, 12:24 PM

Thank you,Gaz.
I'm OK,but almost 100 passed away and many are still missing at this moment.
I send prayers to my friends in Japan.

Dudie

11-03-2011, 12:38 PM

I'm in shock when I heard the news. It's so terrible. Just been watching CNN for a while and I had to switch it off coz I was shaking when I saw the footage. I know it's stupid but I was like what if it happened when I am there (I go to Japan next month) and that freaked me out aswell,

I heard there are allready 100+ people reported dead and that's mostly not even in the erea that was hit the worst. I hope most danger is over now, which i doubt, and the Japanese people are save.:angel:
This is the worst earthquake since 140 years and in total there have been 5 less stronger ones today and then the tsumani and the power station omg.. poor people:angel:

I wonder if all Japanese MJJC members can report here due the failing of electricity etc.

Suzie B

11-03-2011, 12:45 PM

I too send my prayers to the people in Japan, my thoughts are with them right now.

Birchey

11-03-2011, 12:46 PM

Very sad day, thoughts go out to the people in need.

Laura.L.

11-03-2011, 12:53 PM

My thoughts are with everyone affected by today's horrible events. Sending strenght your way!

Hippoko

11-03-2011, 01:03 PM

Dear Gaz,

Thank you very much for your kind wishes. It really means a lot to us at this time.

Luckily, my family and I are unhurt here in Tokyo, but, as you know, many areas, especially the northern parts of Japan, suffered horrific damages with many people having lost their lives.

My prayers and thoughts are with those in the affected areas who are now going through a very difficult time.

Again, we are all grateful to you for your warm thoughts and support for us in Japan.

Hippoko

mjjmsc

11-03-2011, 01:10 PM

i was very sad to hear such a terrible news...and we should try to do something in the future , to help those people, Michael would have liked that...his army doing his kind of work...

IvoryKeys

11-03-2011, 01:14 PM

A wise Man once said

"Look, we don’t have control over the grounds, they can shake.

We don’t have control over the seas, they can have tsunamis.

We don’t have control over the skies, there are storms.

We’re all in God’s hands. I think that man has to take that into consideration."
~ Michael Jackson

Please pray <3 for all who are effected by these disasters.

This simply needed to be quoted again. Humble words. I can only hope the death toll doesn't rise too high.

Annie123

11-03-2011, 01:46 PM

My thoughts are with all those affected by the terrible earthquake in Japan. I wish you strength to endure and overcome this tragedy.

L&L=L.O.V.E.

11-03-2011, 01:48 PM

I'll pray for all of them.
Let us hold each hand and pray for those who are in pain..
Let us heal the world...
For those who believe, God will protect you, for those who don't believe, Our L.O.V.E. will protect you..
We are with you, all of you..

Memefan

11-03-2011, 01:53 PM

Very sad what's happening in Japan & the Pacific coast.

Prayers go out to everyone affecting by this. Stay strong!

morsmordre

11-03-2011, 02:06 PM

My thoughts go out to everyone affected by this! <3

Tsukiji

11-03-2011, 02:48 PM

... :( ...My thoughts are with Japan... :pray:

MIST

11-03-2011, 02:54 PM

I am Japanese living in Tokyo aftershock still there. very scary....
I hold your hand

My thoughts are with all of those affected by the earthquake and tsunami

Lorraine

11-03-2011, 03:01 PM

Oh no :( My prayers and thoughts are with all affected. I am at work and haven't seen any news but going by this thread things are pretty bad huh? :no:

twinklEE

11-03-2011, 03:02 PM

Prayers go to all the innocent people suffering there :(

The Lost Child

11-03-2011, 03:05 PM

all my thoughts and prayers are with you there.

Garden

11-03-2011, 03:13 PM

It's good to hear from you, our Japanese fellow fans and friends!
I so hope you and your families and friends are safe.
Let's pray for all people that were or are still in fear and danger and for all people that are hurt or that God has taken to Him.
Lord, please be mercyfull and help these people and children, and help the land recover...

Love you all!
Bless..

xrisx

11-03-2011, 03:14 PM

I was in shock when I first saw the footage of it all.
My thoughts and love go to all the people affected by this and the people who might still get affected by it.

Speechless09

11-03-2011, 03:39 PM

...:( How terrible. My prayers are with the ppl. in Japan.:pray:

The Invincible

11-03-2011, 03:47 PM

My prayers are for all the people in Japan.. a country that Michael loves so much!!!
God bless the people in Japan.. may God help them to be strong in these difficult moments..

combs2024

11-03-2011, 03:53 PM

My thoughts and prayers to those in Japan right now. I know a lot of people on the U.S. military bases and I'm hearing those guys are working non-stop right now to help. I hope more countries come in to give a hand!

athina_livadi

11-03-2011, 03:54 PM

Though we may be thousands of miles away we send all our support and prayers to our dear Japanese people. Greece is so sensitive to your pain since we are struck by earthquakes frequently and we know what it's like! We pray for you and hope for the best!

artik

11-03-2011, 03:57 PM

The footage on TV is is simply horrifying :( My thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by this natural disaster.

xthunderx2

11-03-2011, 03:59 PM

This really is a terrible tragedy..my prayers go out to all those families in Japan that have been effected by this terrible event...May God bless them and keep Japan strong. Also for Hawaii..and the west coast of US.

Autumn II

11-03-2011, 04:09 PM

I have a friend who lives in Tokyo. She's not been heard from yet. Please pray for her, and for all the Japanese people.

MJ~And~Me

11-03-2011, 04:10 PM

Its awful:sad:

StaceyMJ

11-03-2011, 04:23 PM

The pictures I'm seeing right now on the news are absolutely heartbreaking and just terrifying! My thoughts and prayers and all my well wishes are with all affected. Here's hoping this will all stop so very soon. :(

xthunderx2

11-03-2011, 04:24 PM

I have a friend who lives in Tokyo. She's not been heard from yet. Please pray for her, and for all the Japanese people.
have you tried to send her a txt because they said texts were getting through? I pray your friend is ok..:hug:

Autumn II

11-03-2011, 04:57 PM

have you tried to send her a txt because they said texts were getting through? I pray your friend is ok..:hug:

Yes. Texts have been tried, with no response yet. Communications are majorly disrupted, though. She's still MIA, but I hope for the best. And thanks.

Alma

11-03-2011, 05:01 PM

Autumn II

11-03-2011, 05:10 PM

*hope your friend is alright, Autumn, prays...*

Thanks. Her name is "Junko." Please hold her in your hearts, and all the Japanese people.

PCR

11-03-2011, 06:20 PM

A wise Man once said

"Look, we don’t have control over the grounds, they can shake.

We don’t have control over the seas, they can have tsunamis.

We don’t have control over the skies, there are storms.

We’re all in God’s hands. I think that man has to take that into consideration."
~ Michael Jackson

Yes, his words also came to my mind.

Thinking of Japan, such a wonderful country. May God give them the strength they desperately need now.
And let's hope the waves will not hit our countries with such horrible power.
what a sad day :(

angelofinnocence

11-03-2011, 06:26 PM

terrible, terrible news. my prayers go out to everybody in Japan and everyone who is affected by this terrible event.

angelofinnocence

11-03-2011, 06:26 PM

Thanks. Her name is "Junko." Please hold her in your hearts, and all the Japanese people.

I truly hope your friend Junko is alright. xx

angelofinnocence

11-03-2011, 06:29 PM

I am Japanese living in Tokyo aftershock still there. very scary....

lots of love and hugs to you. Are you okay? x

The Healer

11-03-2011, 06:30 PM

I was watching it on the news all day today..it is so horrible and scary.
When I see something like that , a lot of what Michael said comes to my mind.
He was right, he was allways right.
My prayers to all the people in Japan.

Webbie

11-03-2011, 06:46 PM

I kept checking the news on a regular base today and the news messages from Japan became worse with the minute..
This is so horrible. Horrible doesn't even come close :no:
I can't even imagine how it must be if something like this happens to you/your family or people who you know...
My prayers, thoughts, love and support go out to everyone who has been affected...

@tatsunak, ukutan and Hippoko: I'm glad you are all well!

@Autumn II: I pray for your friend and I hope she is fine.. Keep the faith, sweety.

I hope all Japanese MJJC member survived this Tsunami/earthquake. May God protect you all...

IvoryKeys

11-03-2011, 06:51 PM

The world is shaking, the earth is wailing and dying...

*Sighs*... this is so catastrophic and so terrible, the earth in Japan literally broke in halves, what apocalyptic views... May God rest all the victims in peace and care for survivors and protect the rest... I feel nature is mad at what we've done to the earth and all the dreadful ongoing wars, the cruelty of all kinds... How much will she take.. and how much will we take? Don't know... Am also mourning the innocence that's been lost or taken away from the earth..

You do realize that the earth has done this since the beginning of it all. And it, in fact, does this to let us all know the earth is very alive and well. I don't think humans can really have too much of an effect to whether an earthquake will come or not. Yes, this is still a tragedy, but lets not get carried away here and think the apocalypse is gonna happen in a few days.

The One.

11-03-2011, 06:59 PM

I hate these kind of news.. I couldn't help but cry when I woke up today and turned on the tv and saw the videos from Japan :cry: My thoughts go to all of you who have loved ones or live around there!

You do realize that the earth has done this since the beginning of it all. And it, in fact, does this to let us all know the earth is very alive and well. I don't think humans can really have too much of an effect to whether an earthquake will come or not. Yes, this is still a tragedy, but lets not get carried away here and think the apocalypse is gonna happen in a few days.
Yeah, you're right.. earthquakes will come and there's pretty much nothing we can do about it. What worries me is that we've had now several big earthquakes in just a few years time (and still waiting for that major one in California..) It is scary what nature can do, even if it's natural.

Sophielo

11-03-2011, 07:09 PM

Sending lots of love and prayers to everyone in the affected areas. Prayers are with you guys xxxx

suzynyc

11-03-2011, 07:12 PM

Was up at 3am watching the terrifying footage this on the news. They are in my thoughts and prayers.

StaceyMJ

11-03-2011, 07:13 PM

I think there was just another quake measuring 6.6 :(

*Little Suzie*

11-03-2011, 07:17 PM

I feel like a bad and horrible person, because I can't do anything..

Webbie

11-03-2011, 07:22 PM

I think there was just another quake measuring 6.6 :(

Oh my... You're right :no:
Nagano and Niigata have been hit by this one...
The news update here says that approx. 350 people died so far :(

I feel like a bad and horrible person, because I can't do anything..

I know what you mean. Knowing that you can't help is terrible.

*Little Suzie*

11-03-2011, 07:24 PM

^ What?
Oh my God.. :'(

raz2911

11-03-2011, 07:47 PM

*Little Suzie*

11-03-2011, 07:52 PM

VCBabyMJfan

11-03-2011, 08:15 PM

I pray for everyone in Japan and all areas in which the tsunami hit land

Love

CinnamonGirl

11-03-2011, 08:16 PM

You're right Raz...
However...my prayers go out to them all. Right now, all we can do is prayhttp://www.mjjcommunity.com/forum/images/smilies/funny/pray.gif
Gob bless them.

AnnieRUOkay89

11-03-2011, 08:19 PM

This is so sad :no:, I hear it's supposed to affect Russia and other places.

I pray for those that already had to experience this, and I pray it doesn't get any worse.

henryl

11-03-2011, 08:22 PM

raz2911

11-03-2011, 08:26 PM

It would definitely be the 'MJ' thing to do, it wouldn't hurt to ask them, but how would you even go about doing that??

Carol

11-03-2011, 08:35 PM

...................:no:Terrible news,and thought immitiatly of Michaels words:yes: Surely will never forget those............:yes:

henryl

11-03-2011, 08:38 PM

It would definitely be the 'MJ' thing to do, it wouldn't hurt to ask them, but how would you even go about doing that??

dnt know, but the songs ready as it is. seems like jpn really needs help and i hear other countries might be affected.

itd be useless to keep a potentially helpful song locked up when it can really help at an awful time like this. there must be a way for us to contact the estate bout thsi

Autumn II

11-03-2011, 08:47 PM

MJJLaugh

11-03-2011, 09:25 PM

My thoughts and love and prayers go out to the Japanese people. God bless them!
I pray that all Japanese MJJC members and their families are okay!

Ashtanga

11-03-2011, 09:45 PM

:no:

Prayers for Japan. :pray:

Here in Brazil (in my city) the Japanese community is coming together to make a scheme to send help to Japan and Brazilians that are there.

noirnoar

11-03-2011, 10:02 PM

My prayers are with Japan, and other countries effected by the earthquake and tsunami.
:pray:

PCR

11-03-2011, 10:05 PM

:no:

Prayers for Japan. :pray:

Here in Brazil (in my city) the Japanese community is coming together to make a scheme to send help to Japan and Brazilians that are there.

My people in Chile are waiting for the wave to arrive. Chile is basically a looong coast, so this will hit basically the whole country, but so far, no problems. The wave should have hit Easter Island 15 minutes ago and so far, nothing. I hope this will end soon.

Alma

11-03-2011, 10:30 PM

You do realize that the earth has done this since the beginning of it all. And it, in fact, does this to let us all know the earth is very alive and well. I don't think humans can really have too much of an effect to whether an earthquake will come or not. Yes, this is still a tragedy, but lets not get carried away here and think the apocalypse is gonna happen in a few days.

I haven't even said or suggested that... ): I said that the scenes are apocalyptic as far as Japan is concerned, and they are. Got carried away? Nature is rebelling, it has always done that. But the world is on an increasingly downward spiral and it's plain to see, I'm not getting carried away at all... This is upsetting as it is and tragic, sad that precious time needs to be wasted on petty things like explaining what you meant, when in fact was quite clear. ... In times like these, looking up to God is the best thing one could do.

More prayers out to those devastated people and children there and for the rest of the world..

CaptainEoLove85

11-03-2011, 10:59 PM

My prayers are with Japan. I was watching footage of the tsunami last night and it was really jaw dropping. My prayers go out to their families, friends, anyone who is affected and hope they fully recover from this disaster. :angel:

earthlyme

12-03-2011, 12:34 AM

My prayers are with all of them. Japan, Hawaii, Cali...etc.

This reminds me of Michael's words: "We have four years to make it right"!!! I think he's right... <3

L.o.v.e.
Romi

8701girl

12-03-2011, 12:37 AM

My prayers are with japan and all the countries affected by this

CherubimII

12-03-2011, 01:03 AM

I pray for the Healing of the people of Japan and everyone else affected by this devastating Earthquake and Tsunami. :angel:
http://www.beliefnet.com/~/media/AE3385C4A41C48ECA41FCFA4357A477D.ashx?w=333&h=250

Lainy

12-03-2011, 01:11 AM

My thoughts and prayers are with Japan and Chile. Lord hear our cry for mercy. :pray:

Ashtanga

12-03-2011, 01:23 AM

My people in Chile are waiting for the wave to arrive. Chile is basically a looong coast, so this will hit basically the whole country, but so far, no problems. The wave should have hit Easter Island 15 minutes ago and so far, nothing. I hope this will end soon.

Oh God... :(

Prayers also for Chile. :angel: :pray:

Milka

12-03-2011, 03:35 AM

This is really worrying, I wish MJ was around to try and help, he wouldn't just sit and watch people lose their lives.
I wish at a time like this they would release 'What More Can I Give' or 'We've Had Enough' and give the proceeds to charity, it could really make a change.

GREAT idea.but dnt know if the estates willing to do this. or is it up to sony too. if we ask em maybe theyll release it for charity???

Yes, great idea. Is there already a thread about it? How about a petition?

And ... we have to get rid of nuclear power plants. Worldwide. They are dangerous. They kill.

P.S. Just saw the latest news - radiation leak in nuclear power plant Fukushima I.

Autumn II

12-03-2011, 04:03 AM

Yes, great idea. Is there already a thread about it? How about a petition?

And ... we have to get rid of nuclear power plants. Worldwide. They are dangerous. They kill.

As of right now, this moment, at least, the coverage of the nuclear accidents (apparently ongoing) has nearly vanished from U.S. tv. Gee, guess they don't want us to worry? (the reason we didn't develop solar energy was WHAT?) Go to Reuters or BBC for coverage, if you can't find current U.S. coverage).

(see my post above for list of charities to support. I think the Japanese need help SOON, right?)

My Japanese friend is still MIA (not an internet friend, but someone I know, in person.) Communications are still sketchy. I'm still hoping she will contact us. . . .

Autumn II

12-03-2011, 04:11 AM

Last news I saw, there were eleven nuclear power plants "offline." Five are critical. .. . i.e. coolant not working and they are still "hot." Problem is, the cooling systems need electricity to function. Power has been knocked out. Some are operating on generators, others on batteries, and there aren't enough batteries for all the plants. The Fukushima Daichi plant had a back-up generator, but then the tsunami swamped it. Not a good situation. . . . .

Milka

12-03-2011, 04:13 AM

As of right now, this moment, at least, the coverage of the nuclear accidents (apparently ongoing) has nearly vanished from U.S. tv. Gee, guess they don't want us to worry? (the reason we didn't develop solar energy was WHAT?) Go to Reuters or BBC for coverage, if you can't find current U.S. coverage).

It's pretty big news over here. I'm watching yesterday's evening and late night news streams, they talk about it a lot. And the radiation leak is sort of breaking news right now - see here - for those who speak German:

http://orf.at/

"Letzte Meldung
Japan-Beben: Radioaktivität aus AKW ausgetreten"

It says it's just a small leak - let's hope that's it and not just the beginning ...

My Japanese friend is still MIA (not an internet friend, but someone I know, in person.) Communications are still sketchy. I'm still hoping she will contact us. . . .

I hope you'll hear from her soon.

There are/were Tsunami warnings in 50 countries. Half the world.

The leak is just a footnote on CNN:

http://edition.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/asiapcf/03/11/japan.nuclear/index.html?hpt=T2

"Reactors at two Japanese power plants can no longer cool radioactive substances, a government official said Saturday, adding that a small leak had been detected at one of the facilities."

http://www.ibtimes.com/articles/121973/20110312/japan-radiation-leak-radioactive-disaster-fukushima-nuclear-reactor-atomic-power.htm

"The Tokyo Electric Power Company (Tepco) has confirmed that there has been a release of a small amount of radioactive material at one of its two Fukushima-based nuclear plants where the cooling mechanism had failed after Friday's devastating earthquake. However, authorities have assured that this is not likely to have any major adverse impact immediately on health of nearby residents."

souldreamer7

12-03-2011, 04:50 AM

I watched this unfold early this morning around 3 AM my time and still tuning in on CNN and other news channels.

My sincere Blessing,Love & Prayers go out to all countries /human - living things effected by the earthquakes & tsunami.

:angel:

Milka

12-03-2011, 05:06 AM

People trying to find and contact friends ... try Skype, in case you haven't yet, that's what they do and did yesterday on the radio and TV news, seems to be the only way for them to contact their correspondents.

Christine3110

12-03-2011, 07:34 AM

OMG...there was an explosion in Fukushima. The roof and the outside walls have been damaged. white one smoke climbed up...Lord have mercy!

http://www.twitvid.com/LICNU

Milka

12-03-2011, 07:38 AM

OMG...there was an explosion in Fukushima. The roof and the outside walls have been damaged. white one smoke climbed up...Lord have mercy!

I was just about to post a link:

http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2011/03/12/3162450.htm?section=world

"According to public broadcaster NHK, the plant's exterior walls are gone and only the skeleton structure remains.

The broadcaster says several workers were injured in the blast."

They have been downplaying this since yesterday, in my opinion. We don't need nuclear power plants, do we really have to learn the hard way? I'm not religious, but I'm still saying ... God help us all.

Webbie

12-03-2011, 08:46 AM

The One.

12-03-2011, 08:54 AM

And this is exactly why I'm against nuclear power.. :( Keeping my thoughts with everyone affected.

RememberTheTime

12-03-2011, 09:28 AM

Sending my prayers out to all those affected by this disaster. It's so shocking to watch the footage. I hope we can all help even if it's just a small donation.

Memefan

12-03-2011, 10:12 AM

Scary times. Very worried about the problems a nuclear leak could cause.

StaceyMJ

12-03-2011, 10:36 AM

Scary times. Very worried about the problems a nuclear leak could cause.

Me too. This is shocking. I'm very against nuclear power. It's irresponsible.

bouee

12-03-2011, 10:58 AM

Here (France), they have been talking about possible problems in 2 nuclear power plants, there was an explosion in one of them.

They have been saying for quite sometime that people had been evacuated from around one of these nuclear power plant, possibly both plants, it's not clear.
They are saying now that they are evacuating a larger area aroud the Fukushima plant.

Now they say that NHK (japanese TV) is asking people in the powerplant (s ?) area to stay indoors, block their windows and doors (to prevent outside air from coming in), cover themselves from head to toe (the skin should not be in direct contact with air), and breathe through a wet towel.

French experts on TV say they don't know what's going on, they don't have enough info, but it doesn't look good at all. The evacuation was a probably a preventive measure, and the self protection measures could be preventive as well, they don't know.

About the death toll, they say they found another 300 to 400 bodies in the north, people who died in the tsunami, in a port.
The tsunami seems to have been more devastating than the earthquake itself, people didn't have time to leave the area.

Autumn I hope you hear from your friend soon, please let us know when you reach her.

I went through the same situation 10 years ago, after the AZF explosion in Toulouse , France. I was desperately trying to reach a family member there (he was Ok, thank god). It took me hours just to get through, it turned out that the all communications from and to Toulouse had been voluntarily limited. They wanted to avoid the communications to become saturated, and make sure that the people within the impacted area could call for help.

Really,I don't know why we would build nuclear power plants in such areas...

I hope the nuclear incident turns out to be just a scare, and nothing too serious.... they are now saying that the nuclear reactor itself was probably not damaged.

To all the people in the affected areas, please let us know if there is anything we can do for you from here to help you go through this.

StaceyMJ

12-03-2011, 11:01 AM

Really,I don't know why we would build nuclear power plants in such areas...

I hope it turns out to be just a scare, and nothing serious.... they are now saying that the nuclear reactor itself was probably not damaged.

To all the people in the affected areas, please let us know if there is anything we can do for you from here to help you go through this.

I agree with all the above points!

Webbie

12-03-2011, 11:03 AM

About the death toll, they say they found another 300 to 400 bodies in the north, people who died in the tsunami, in a port.
The tsunami seems to have been more devastating than the earthquake itself, people didn't have time to leave the area.

I heard the exact same news 5 min ago...

According to the TV station NHK, the army has found another 400 bodies in Rikuzentakata, making a total of 3000 dead people so far :no:

I went through the same situation 10 years ago, after the AZF explosion in Toulouse , France. I was desperately trying to reach a family member there (he was Ok, thank god). It took me hours just to get through, it turned out that the all communications from and to Toulouse had been voluntarily limited. They wanted to avoid the communications to become saturated, and make sure that the people within the impacted area could call for help.

I remember that... 30 people died back then, thousands were seriously injured and many, many families lost their homes if I remember it well? It was a horrible day for France. That must have been so terrible and scary for you. I'm glad your family member was ok.

Nonoka

12-03-2011, 11:18 AM

Alma

12-03-2011, 11:55 AM

Am feeling so small and helpless.. Don't even know what to say, this is so unfortunate..

bouee

12-03-2011, 12:02 PM

I remember that... 30 people died back then, thousands were seriously injured and many, many families lost their homes if I remember it well? It was a horrible day for France. That must have been so terrible and scary for you. I'm glad your family member was ok.

Thank you, yes that's happened. It was very scary. And one of the thing that was scary was the confusion, contradictory information, not knowing what was going on....

In Toulouse during one or two hours the media reported several simultanous explosions throughout the city. It looked like a terrorist attack. They reported that because the blast was so strong, that everybody in toulouse said "it happened very close to where I was".

Then there was this big orange cloud and funny smell all over the city, that during several hours was not explained, but they did ask the people to stay indoors, block they doors and windows (if they had any left), cover their faces to not breathe the air directly... because they were not sure what it was.

I remember when I finally reached him, 3 or 4 hours after the explosion I was in Paris and he was in Toulouse, and I was the one who explained to him what was going on. He had just come home from his work, and didn't have the chance to watch TV, and didn't have a clue about what was going on. All he knew is thart there had been a huge explosion close to where he was working, his work place had been damaged so they evacuated the building and went home, and on his way home he saw damage all over the city, people panicking (even driving on sidewalks), a big orange cloud and a funny smell. He was trying to drive home among all this, while covering his face, and it took him all this time just to get home.

And what happened in Toulouse was nowhere near what is going on in Japan now. It was one city, and one explosion.
So I would assume there is still a lot of confusion in Japan now, because the priority is to deal with the situation and take all the possible precautions.

Milka

12-03-2011, 12:55 PM

An expert on the news over here said that things might not be as severe as they looked. He wasn't sure though, since there is not a lot of new information. I also didn't get all the details, I think he said (probably according to some new information?) that the protective shell might not be damaged after all, and if that's true that they can still try to cool the core, which might take days. So maybe they can avoid a huge distaster, let's hope this is true.

But then there is also this:

http://www.jpost.com/International/Article.aspx?id=50001

"Japan's largest utility operator, Tokyo Electric Power Co., has admitted that it falsified data at its nuclear power plants for three decades in an attempt to easily pass compulsory government inspections."

So I'm not really sure if I trust them and the new information.

And there are 10,000 people missing in the port town Minamisanriku. The population is 17,000, so more than half of the people from that town are missing.

Webbie

12-03-2011, 01:04 PM

Official press release by TEPCO:

<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="760"><tbody><tr><td>
</td> <td valign="top"> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="720"> <tbody><tr> <td>http://www.tepco.co.jp/en/press/images/clear.gif</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top"> Press Release (Mar 12,2011)
White smoke around the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station Unit 1 </td> </tr> <tr> <td>http://www.tepco.co.jp/en/press/images/dot_w720.gif</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top">

On March 11, 2011, turbines and reactors of Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear
Power Station Unit 1(Boiling Water Reactor, Rated Output 460 MW) and
Unit 2 and 3 (Boiling Water Reactor, Rated Output 784 MW) that had been
operating at rated power automatically shutdown due to the
Tohoku-Chihou-Taiheiyou-Oki Earthquake.(already announced)

Today at approximately 3:36PM, a big quake occurred and there was a big
sound around the Unit 1 and white smoke.
Our two employees and two subcontract workers working for the safety of
the plant were injured and transported to the hospital.

We are presently checking on the site situation of each plant and effect
of discharged radioactive materials.

We will endeavor to restore the units and continue monitoring the
environment of the site periphery.
</td> </tr> </tbody></table> </td> <td>http://www.tepco.co.jp/en/press/images/clear.gif</td> </tr><tr> <td colspan="3">http://www.tepco.co.jp/en/press/images/clear.gif</td></tr></tbody></table>Press Release number 2:

Below is major impact to TEPCO's facilities due to the Miyagiken-Oki
Earthquake that occurred yesterday at 2:46PM.
*new items are underlined

[Nuclear Power Station]
Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station:
Units 1 to 3: shutdown due to earthquake
Units 4 to 6: outage due to regular inspection
* The national government has instructed evacuation for those local
residents within 10km radius of the periphery.
* The value of radioactive material (iodine, etc) is increasing according
to the monitoring car at the site (outside of the site). One of the
monitoring posts is also indicating higher than normal level.
* Since the amount of radiation at the boundary of the site exceeds the
limits, we decide at 4:17PM and we have reported and/or noticed the
government agencies concerned to apply the clause 1 of the Article 15 of
the Radiation Disaster Measure at 5PM.
* In addition, a vertical earthquake hit the site and big explosion has
happened near the Unit 1 and smoke breaks out around 3:36PM.
Our two employees and two cooperation workers who had been working for
the foundation of safety are suffered and they are all sent to the
hospital.
* We continue endeavoring to secure the safety that all we can do and
monitoring the periphery.

Fukushima Daini Nuclear Power Station:
Units 1 to 4: shutdown due to earthquake
* The national government has instructed evacuation for those local
residents within 3km radius of the periphery and indoor standby for
those local residents between 3km and 10km radius of the periphery.
* At present, we have decided to prepare implementing measures to reduce
the pressure of the reactor containment vessel (partial discharge of air
containing radioactive materials) in order to fully secure safety.
These measures are considered to be implemented in Units 1, 2 and 3 and
accordingly, we have reported and/or noticed the government agencies
concerned.
* Unit 3 has been stopped and being "nuclear reactor cooling hot stop"
at 12:15PM.

Kashiwazaki Kariwa Nuclear Power Station:
Units 1, 5, 6, 7: normal operation
Units 2 to 4: outage due to regular inspection

[Thermal Power Station]
Hirono Thermal Power Station Units 2 and 4: shutdown due to earthquake
Hitachinaka Thermal Power Station Unit 1: shutdown due to earthquake
Kashima Thermal Power Station Units 2, 3, 5, 6: shutdown due to earthquake
Ohi Thermal Power Station Units 2, 3: shutdown due to earthquake
Higashi-Ohgishima Thermal Power Station Unit 1: shutdown due to earthquake

[Hydro Power Station]
5 stations in Fukushima Prefecture were shutdown due to earthquake.
Power stations in Yamanashi Prefecture have been restored.

[Transmission System, etc.]
5 substations shown below have been shutdown:
- Naka Substation
- Shin Motegi Substation
- Joban Substation
- Ibaraki Substation
- Nishi Mito Substation

Total of about 0.54 million households are out of power.
Tokyo: 0
Kanagawa Pref.: 0
Tochigi Pref.: 12,204
Chiba Pref.: 18,080
Saitama Pref: 534
Gunma Pref.: 0
Ibaraki Pref: 505,072
Yamanashi Pref: 0
Shizuoka Pref: 0 (east of Fuji River)

[Supply and Demand Status within TEPCO's Service Area to Secure Stable
Power Supply]
Backup supply from Shinshinano Conversion Station: 600MW
Backup supply from Sakuma Conversion Station: 300MW
Backup supply from Higashi Shimizu Conversion Station: 100MW

Because TEPCO's facilities have been seriously damaged, power shortage
may occur. TEPCO appreciates customers' cooperation in reducing
electricity usage by avoiding using unnecessary lighting and electrical
equipment.

We are taking all measures to restore power, however, we expect extremely
difficult situation in power supply for tomorrow as well.
We kindly ask our customers to cooperate with us in reducing usage of
power.

Please do NOT touch cut-off electric wires.

[B]New press release UPDATE:

Furthermore, today at 3:29PM, radiation dose measured at site boundary has
exceeded the limiting value. Therefore, at 4:17PM, it was determined that
a specific incident stipulated in article 15, clause 1 has occurred.

We will endeavor to secure the safety and alongside, continue monitoring
the environment of the site periphery.

bouee

12-03-2011, 01:06 PM

So I'm not really sure if I trust them and the new information.

yes, I think we'll have to wait and see. If there is a serious nuclear incident, it will not affect only Japan, we will have more info from different sources.
Now their priority is to deal with it, and take precautions.

And there are 10,000 people missing in the port town Minamisanriku. The population is 17,000, so more than half of the people from that town are missing.

I heard that too, it's absolutely horrible.

Webbie

12-03-2011, 01:10 PM

Another update which has been released by Tepco (not regarding the radioactive material, but...):

A seriously injured worker is still trapped in the crane operating console
of the exhaust stack and his breathing and pulse cannot be confirmed.
Currently, the rescue efforts are under way.
Another worker was lightly injured spraining his left ankle and cutting both
knees when he fell while walking at the site. After medical treatment
and subsequent rest, the worker has got back his workplace.

bouee

12-03-2011, 01:17 PM

Official press release by TEPCO:

Furthermore, today at 3:29PM, radiation dose measured at site boundary has [/B]
exceeded the limiting value. Therefore, at 4:17PM, it was determined that
a specific incident stipulated in article 15, clause 1 has occurred.

We will endeavor to secure the safety and alongside, continue monitoring
the environment of the site periphery.

anyone knows what the " article 15, clause 1 " is ?

Milka

12-03-2011, 02:04 PM

anyone knows what the " article 15, clause 1 " is ?

http://www.nisa.meti.go.jp/english/resources/legislativeframework/files/EmergencyPreparedness.pdf

Don't ask me to explain it though, I'm still trying to make sense of it. ;)

bouee

12-03-2011, 02:33 PM

http://www.nisa.meti.go.jp/english/resources/legislativeframework/files/EmergencyPreparedness.pdf

Don't ask me to explain it though, I'm still trying to make sense of it. ;)

thank you ! My understanding :

Article 15 clause 1 : says that in case of a nuclear emergency, they have to inform the government.

Article 2 defines what a nuclear emargency is :
nuclear emergency situation" means a situation in which radioactive
materials or radiation at an abnormal level has been released outside the
nuclear site of a nuclear operator

what I don't understand is what a nuclear operator is.

A nuclear emergency is different from a nuclear disaster , still from article 2:
"nuclear disaster" means damage caused to the lives, bodies or properties of
citizens due to a nuclear emergency situation;

Webbie

12-03-2011, 02:48 PM

anyone knows what the " article 15, clause 1 " is ?

I'll write it down in my own words.

Some important points:

Step 1 = clause 1:

When a nuclear emergency situation occured, the minister will notify the prime minister and submit all necessary information (incl the radiation dose reported/measured/detected)

Step 2 = clause 2:

As soon as the prime minister has received the information and document reports, the prime Minister will immediately issue an official announcement (=Notification of Activating Nuclear Emergency Organization)

This needs to describe the areas where immediate emergency is required as well as a summary of the situation.

Step 3 = clause 3:

The prime minister now needs to give evacuation instructions to the mayors and governors who have jurisdiction over the affected areas.

Step 4 = clause 4:

When the prime minister thinks that there the risk on radiation is gone, he will contact the Nuclear Safety Commission and issue an official announcement to cancel the nuclear emergency situation.

Does this help?

what I don't understand is what a nuclear operator is.

Regarding nuclear operators:

Nuclear operators control and monitor boilers, turbines, generators, and auxiliary equipment in power-generating plants. They distribute power among generators, regulate the output from several generators, and monitor instruments to maintain voltage and regulate electricity flows from the plant. When demand changes, nuclear operators communicate with dispatchers at distribution centers to match production with system the load. On the basis of this communication, they start and stop generators, altering the amount of electricity output. They also go on rounds to check that everything in the plant is operating correctly and keep records of switching operations and loads on generators, lines, and transformers. In all of these tasks, they use computers to report unusual incidents, malfunctioning equipment, or maintenance performed during their shifts.

Autumn II

12-03-2011, 02:54 PM

The Japanese government has a responsibility to disseminate accurate information. I suspect this is not happening. They have evacuated up to twelve miles around the plant, and are handing out the iodine tablets that help in preventing thyroid cancer. (there are about 88,000 people in that twelve miles. The infrastructure is damaged, including roads and railways. So, where will they GO, and how?) But then the "news" goes on to say there has been "no significant release of radioactivity." So, which IS it? I think the Japanese people, and the world, have a right to know EXACTLY the scope of this nuclear emergency, and the potential effects on other countries. And, we deserve to know in a timely way.

The nuclear power industry is big business. The world's people DESERVE accurate and timely information. This is an event that has the potential of affecting not ONLY Japan.

Guys, if news filters in please post it? U.S. tv isn't reporting much.

Anyone here speak JAPANESE? And can monitor Japanese broadcasts? (thanks in advance, from us ALL)

bouee

12-03-2011, 03:00 PM

The Japanese government has a responsibility to disseminate accurate information. I suspect this is not happening.

I have not heard anything from them.

There could be 2 reasons :

there is a major problem, they are dealing with it, and do not want panick on top of it.

They are taking precautions in case a "small" incident gets worse, or because nothing happened yet but might happen.

I will post updates from French tv here.

Webbie

12-03-2011, 03:04 PM

Latest news report here in my country:

9500 people are missing in Minamisanriku. Rescue teams are now searching for them, but they have not yet succeeded in finding them.
The Japanese government has selected 3 victims out of 90, for research regarding radioactivity.They fear that they may have indeed been affected.

According to dr. Irwin Redlener of the Disaster Preparedness Institute (Columbia University), the radioactivity is very, very dangerous for the people living within 12 miles of the plant.

Autumn II

12-03-2011, 03:07 PM

I suspect the news we are getting is either incomplete, or inaccurate. "Official" reports from Japan say there is minimal danger, but yet they are conducting evacuations, giving out iodine tablets, warning people to wash the rain from their skins (with WHAT? Is there running water?), and so on. (How are they going to "evacuate," with the huge damage to infrastructure?)

This board is a large, international board, and in that sense is a great resource. If anyone here speaks JAPANESE, it would be greatly appreciated if they could monitor Japanese media and keep us apprised of what they are saying. For example, the translation of the video that was posted?

Translations would be very much appreciated.

Webbie

12-03-2011, 03:16 PM

Japanese people have just been warned for a new tsunami which would hit the nord-east of the country again.

There was also a large ship missing since yesterday. This morning, rescue workers have found the ship and all 81 people on board survived.

According to Kyodo (Japanese press) 1200 people died so far, but they fear for almost 1700 by now. Officially, the government only mentions 433.

Autumn, I'm sorry, I don't speak Japanese.

Milka

12-03-2011, 03:18 PM

The Japanese government has a responsibility to disseminate accurate information. I suspect this is not happening.

It probably isn't. Not that that's a Japanese problem, that's what always happens in situations like this one.

They have evacuated up to twelve miles around the plant,

They COULD just be very careful. But maybe not.

and are handing out the iodine tablets that help in preventing thyroid cancer.

Could also be just a precaution. Hopefully.

(there are about 88,000 people in that twelve miles. The infrastructure is damaged, including roads and railways. So, where will they GO, and how?) But then the "news" goes on to say there has been "no significant release of radioactivity." So, which IS it? I think the Japanese people, and the world, have a right to know EXACTLY the scope of this nuclear emergency, and the potential effects on other countries. And, we deserve to know in a timely way.

I think the biggest fear right now is that there is or will be a lot of radiation and that the wind will blow the radioactive cloud south and that it will end up in Tokyo. 35 million people live in and around Tokyo and it's impossible to evacute them. They are hoping for west winds, the cloud would end up above the ocean and just "rain out" - which would still be a natural disaster, but it wouldn't cost a lot of human lives.

The nuclear power industry is big business. The world's people DESERVE accurate and timely information. This is an event that has the potential of affecting not ONLY Japan.

It will mostly affect Japan. As long as there is no east wind, I guess.

P.S. Thanks, Webbie!

Autumn II

12-03-2011, 03:18 PM

Japanese people have just been warned for a new tsunami which would hit the nord-east of the country again.

Autumn, I'm sorry, I don't speak Japanese.

My heart goes out so TOTALLY to the Japanese people. (I used to live there, as a child, and feel a special connection.) We must pray, send them our positivity, and also our donations (I posted a list of reliable charities, several posts back now).

Surely there is someone on this board who speaks Japanese? It's SUCH an international board. Anyone? Or, anyone know anyone who speaks Japanese? If only to translate the video that was posted, of the explosion?

Webbie

12-03-2011, 03:24 PM

The Japanese minister Naoto Kan flew over Fukushima with a helicopter today, a flight which took more then 4 hours.

During a broadcast, he also asked the people to remain calm and promised to do whatever it takes to protect the health of the Japanese people.

He is also trying to create emergency funds to ensure the continuity of the rescue operation.

P.S. Thanks, Webbie!

You're most welcome, Milka.

Milka

12-03-2011, 03:28 PM

If only to translate the video that was posted, of the explosion?

The explosion ... a while after the explosion it was said that shortly before it the Earth was shaking, possibly another after shock (they'll probably happen for quite some time, some still very strong), and yes, I think they can cause more tsunamis too. Then the explosion happened. There has been speculation about what has been damaged for hours now, the government probably knows, but so far nobody else seems to know. It's still unclear if the protective shell is still intact or not (if not, then there will be and probably already is a lot of radiation leaking). If it's still intact, there is still a chance that they can try to cool the core and avoid a disaster.

Edit: Breaking News:
http://edition.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/asiapcf/03/12/japan.nuclear/index.html?hpt=T1

"Japanese official says pumping system caused nuclear plant blast"

Edit II: Something else I want to add - regarding the evacuation and the iodine tablets - that could just be a precaution. Because people - the world! - would give them a VERY hard time IF something happens that could have been avoided by evacuting people and giving them iodine tablets.

bouee

12-03-2011, 03:42 PM

Update from a french news channel :

about the explosion : the official version is that the explosion was the building around the reactor, the reactor itself is not damaged/not severely damaged. The smoke on the video is actually steam, radioactive steam.

they had experts on the set, they said that there was no way of knowing if this is true, or if the explosion was the reactor.

So some radioactive meterial has actually leaked outside, but we don't know to which extent. The official version is that it is dissipating, decreasing. The wind is taking the radioactive material towards the sea, which is good news for Japan, but could mean that there might be a need of precaution in the pacific islands.

The problem in the power plant came from the cooling system that wass damaged by the tsunami , it affects 3 other reactors (bottomline : there are risks of other explosions)

they are have been/are evacuating an area of 60km around the powerplant (it was 20km).

the French embassy is also giving precaution advice for the people in the area (same as given here already + don't use your car, don't stay in your car, don't eat, if it rains leave all the wet clothes, shoes, umbrellas, outside your home)

There are French people missing in that area , so the Quay d'Orsay has set up an emergency info phone number .

Autumn II

12-03-2011, 03:48 PM

Although Japan is called "the Far East," it's actually to the West of the coast of the U.S. (in terms of the path of the sun) Weather in the U.S. primarily moves from west to east, i.e. weather on the west coast affects weather where I live, on the east coast. Weather from Japan usually travels east, toward the United States.

It's possible that news is scanty to avoid panic, i.e. Tokyo. Because, given the ruined infrastructure, there is literally nowhere for the residents of Tokyo, to GO!

They are "saying" that while the concrete containment building was destroyed, the metal liner was undamaged and the leakage was minimal. It sure doesn't LOOK like that, from the video! There is no way that cloud of steam that we saw was not radioactive. How could it have not have been?

That twelve mile radius contains 88,000 people! The railways are non-functional, and the roads are damaged. Even if they weren't, the traffic jams must be incredible. There is no running water there, and no electricity. The conditions, and the FEAR, must be incredible. My heart goes out to all those people, there.

This is not only a Japanese problem. We are ALL connected. In terms of earthquakes, there is a similar subduction zone that runs under a large portion of the U.S. West coast (not the San Andreas fault. A separate fault.) I believe it begins north of San Francisco, and moves north up the coast, affecting Oregon, Washington, and western Canada). What ever is happening to Japan, could equally happen in the U.S. We should feel great compassion for the Japanese, and send them our best efforts in terms of prayers, and donations, as possible.

(My friend in Tokyo is still missing. . . . )

bouee

12-03-2011, 03:48 PM

The explosion ... . There has been speculation about what has been damaged for hours now, the government probably knows, but so far nobody else seems to know. It's still unclear if the protective shell is still intact or not (if not, then there will be and probably already is a lot of radiation leaking). If it's still intact, there is still a chance that they can try to cool the core and avoid a disaster.

yes that's exactly what I heard, and the people I just heard on TV said that they did not have enough info to be sure that the shell was still intact. what they see on that video doesn't help them.

Webbie

12-03-2011, 03:50 PM

According to a Belgian journalist, who is reporting live from Japan, Niigata was affected by a new earthquake 2 hours ago and there was also a new earthquake in the neighborhood of the exploded plant 3 hours ago.

bouee

12-03-2011, 03:56 PM

Does this help?

yes, thank you ! :clapping:

Sophielo

12-03-2011, 04:06 PM

I cannot begin to imagine what the Japanese people are going through. It puts things into perspective. Here's hoping the earthquakes stop soon.

Milka

12-03-2011, 04:20 PM

yes that's exactly what I heard, and the people I just heard on TV said that they did not have enough info to be sure that the shell was still intact. what they see on that video doesn't help them.

Yes, that's what they said here too, they can't really tell from the video or pictures. I don't know what to believe. Didn't know that the evacuation radius now is 60 km, that makes me think that they are not being entirely truthful. A few hours ago it was still 20.

Oh, and the weather and the west winds - if there will be a nuclear cloud, it's highly unlikely that it will make it to the west coast of the US, it'll rain out over the ocean. That's how they explained it on the news anyway.

bouee

12-03-2011, 04:33 PM

Some members of the french government just held a press conference (2 persons from Environment dept, and 2 persons from the Nuclear safety agency) :

they say that have very few information, from the Japanese government, and from Tefco.

They do not have enough information to draw any conclusions, and they do not want to spread false rumors/panick by drawing inapropriate conclusions.

What they know :
the earthquake stopped 11 reactors, which is normal. But even if it is stopped, a reactor still has to be cooled.

the problem in Fukushima is the tsunami : they have no electricity, no water to cool down the reactor. Fukushima has 4 reactors.

There was some leak of radioactive steam, officially low radioactive steam (coming from the explosion that we all saw).

The wind going east, its not going or rarely going to the southern hemisphere.(they were talking about French pacific islands in the southern hemisphere)

They said that Japanese authorities are very strict about nuclear safety.

Comments from an expert on the set :

The reactor that "exploded" was the oldest one of the 4.

he's trying to get more info from other sources, and now thinks it is very likely that the shell is intact.
He thinks that the japanese authorities are doing a good job containing the problem, but that it was VERY close to a massive disaster, and this is an ongoing situation.

Comments from someone from Greenpeace and another anti nuclear organisation :

The cooling problem has to be dealt with within 10 hours , otherwise there is a risk that the core of the reactor melts down. And that would be catastrophic. Fukushita has 4 reactors. They don't seem to have anymore info either.

Autumn II

12-03-2011, 04:34 PM

Yes, that's what they said here too, they can't really tell from the video or pictures. I don't know what to believe. Didn't know that the evacuation radius now is 60 km, that makes me think that they are not being entirely truthful. A few hours ago it was still 20.

Oh, and the weather and the west winds - if there will be a nuclear cloud, it's highly unlikely that it will make it to the west coast of the US, it'll rain out over the ocean. That's how they explained it on the news anyway.

I think that is correct. The radioactive steam from the explosion didn't go high in the atmosphere (unlike Chernobyl).

angelofinnocence

12-03-2011, 04:35 PM

terrible news about the nuclear plant on top of the original disaster.

bouee

12-03-2011, 04:41 PM

Yes, that's what they said here too, they can't really tell from the video or pictures. I don't know what to believe. Didn't know that the evacuation radius now is 60 km, that makes me think that they are not being entirely truthful. A few hours ago it was still 20.
.

I don't know what to believe either. The risk, even if it is not very likely, is 4 reactors melting down , aftershocks and other tsunamis. So I'm not surprised by the extended evacuation.

If the problem is bigger, there will be info from anti nuclear organisation such as Greenpeace, and so far they say they don't have any other info.

xthunderx2

12-03-2011, 04:58 PM

This is a horrific tragedy ..and really is kind of scary...my heart and prayers go out to all the people in Japan..and their loved ones. We have to keep on praying for their safety..thank you all for all oft the updated information

Autumn II

12-03-2011, 04:58 PM

The Japan Times is Japan's leading newspaper.
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</td> </tr> </tbody></table> Sunday, March 13, 2011
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Fukushima reactor cover blows up

Four hurt; radiation spews amid frantic effort to prevent meltdown

Compiled from Kyodo, AP
SENDAI — An explosion at a nuclear power station blew up the building housing a reactor Saturday, injuring four workers, as officials scrambled to prevent a meltdown.
The blast followed the failure of the power plant's cooling system, which was compromised by Friday's 8.8-magnitude temblor.

Tokyo Electric Power Co., the utility that runs the Fukushima No. 1 plant, said the four workers injured in the blast — two of its own staff and two from another company, do not have life-threatening injuries and all remained conscious.

At the time of the 3:36 p.m. blast, the four were tending to problems caused by the massive quake, which devastated northeastern Japan and generated giant tsunami.

The explosion about 250 km northeast of Tokyo destroyed the walls and roof of the aging facility, which housed the reactor, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yukio Edano told reporters at a hastily convened news conference Saturday evening.

TV footage showed that the power plant's roof and walls had disappeared. Tepco said the roof of the building collapsed after a large tremor.

Edano urged local residents to stay calm and said radiation levels were being carefully monitored. He also urged all residents living within 20 km of its Fukushima No. 1 and 10 km of No. 2. plants to evacuate.
"We are now trying to analyze what is behind the explosion," Edano said. "We ask everyone to take action to secure safety."

The nuclear power plant lost cooling ability after being jolted by Friday's devastating quake, and radioactive cesium and iodine were detected nearby Saturday.

Detection of the materials, which are created in the atomic fission process, prompted the nuclear safety agency to admit the reactor has been melting, a first for Japan.

According to the Fukushima Prefectural Government, hourly radiation emissions from the Fukushima plant reached 1,015 microsieverts on the premises — an amount equivalent to the dose an ordinary person would receive in one year.

The Nuclear and Industrial Safety Agency said serious damage to the stricken reactor's containment facility was unlikely despite the explosion.

Edano also said radiation levels have been decreasing and the reactor containment vessel wasn't damaged in the blast.

Wind in the region is weak and was headed in a northeastly direction — toward the sea — for the time being, the Meteorological Agency said.

The company scrambled earlier Saturday to release pressure in the containers housing the reactors to prevent a nuclear meltdown from occurring, the Nuclear and Industrial Safety Agency said.

Even before Tepco succeeded in reducing the pressure, which involved releasing steam that would likely include radioactive materials, radiation had risen to an unusually high level in and near the No. 1 nuclear plant.

Work to depressurize the containers, aimed at preventing the plants from sustaining damage and losing their critical containment function, was conducted under an unprecedented government order.
At the No. 1 plant, the amount of radiation reached around 1,000 times normal inside the control room of the reactor, and 70 times normal near its main gate.

It was the first time an external radioactive leak had been confirmed since the disaster.

Earlier reports said the U.S. Air Force was helping to deliver coolant to the damaged plant, which Secretary of State Hillary Clinton was believed to have confirmed Friday in the U.S.

Milka

12-03-2011, 05:04 PM

If the problem is bigger, there will be info from anti nuclear organisation such as Greenpeace, and so far they say they don't have any other info.

I don't think that Greenpeace knows more than the rest of us. At least it's a totally different situation than Tschernobyl on April 26, 1986 as far as information goes. Russia covered it up for 2 days until they detected radiation at a Swedish nuclear power plant, which made them check the plant, they thought they had a leak. But there was none. From the wind direction they suspected a nuclear power plant in Russia. Still took Russia another 12 hours to admit that there was an "accident", evening of April 28. The first time they admitted a "disaster" was on April 29.

Autumn, it's not really about the steam from the explosion, that's not a big problem. What they were talking about on the news was if the meltdown happens, then there will be a nuclear cloud that hopefully will be directed to the east by the west wind (that they are hoping for in case there will be a meltdown). Even that nuclear cloud wouldn't make it to the west coast of the US, it would just rain out over the ocean. So I don't think people have to worry about that.

Oh, and before I forget ... there has been speculation for hours now that the meltdown is already happening, which would mean that the protective shell has to remain intact or there will be a disaster like Tschernobyl. With all the after shocks and possible damage, that is very scary indeed.

More news: 3 people living close to Fukushima are contaminated. I guess if there are 3, then there are more ... I don't think they tell us everything they know.

Autumn II

12-03-2011, 05:17 PM

I don't think that Greenpeace knows more than the rest of us. At least it's a totally different situation than Tschernobyl on April 26, 1986 as far as information goes. Russia covered it up for 2 days until they detected radiation at a Swedish nuclear power plant, which made them check the plant, they thought they had a leak. But there was none. From the wind direction they suspected a nuclear power plant in Russia. Still took Russia another 12 hours to admit that there was an "accident", evening of April 28. The first time they admitted a "disaster" was on April 29.

Right. There was a cover-up for several days, and I doubt that we EVER got complete information. Once Russia admitted the disaster, some people in Eastern Europe and Scandinavia were given potassium iodide tablets to help protect against the radiation (thyroid cancer). I read that they are also handing out this medication to those in Sendai who were exposed. Japan continues to down-play the severity, but the fact they are handing out the potassium iodide tells us differently. They would not DO that without there having been significant exposure of those within the toxic radius.

Autumn, it's not really about the steam from the explosion, that's not a big problem. What they were talking about on the news was if the meltdown happens, then there will be a nuclear cloud that hopefully will be directed to the east by the west wind (that they are hoping for in case there will be a meltdown). Even that nuclear cloud wouldn't make it to the west coast of the US, it would just rain out over the ocean. So I don't think people have to worry about that.

The steam cloud was radioactive and has exposed over 80,000 people, so to THEM, I'd expect it IS a big problem? These people have been told to evacuate, to wash off rain water from their skins, etc. How they can evacuate with few functional roads and no functional rail-lines, and how they can wash off the radioactive rain given that there is no running water, is a huge problem.

There may be few or no effects in the U.S., but as human-beings, we are all connected. If this is not a wake-up call about the dangers of nuclear power, I certainly don't know what WOULD be. The U.S. has many power-plants of the same design as the Daichi plant. Some of those are in earthquake zones, and especially in the zone of the New Madrid fault, on the Missouri border. We need to LEARN from this, and I hope we will, and take more precautions in ALL countries that have nuclear power.

Currently, with the prevailing wind, looks like the radioactive steam-cloud will be carried out to sea. The explosion at Chernobyl was MUCH higher into the atmosphere and traveled much farther than seems to be the potential with this radioactivity. But, for those exposed . . for some. . . the effects may not be felt for years, in increased rates of cancer, leukemia, and so on. The children are especially at risk, and my heart goes out to them and their parents, and to all the Japanese people, SO much.

bouee

12-03-2011, 05:31 PM

A green party poltician just said that 2 reactors (not 4) had a cooling problem.

She was asked how she could get information about what was going on , she said that "green" activists were "watching closely" (I don't know how they would do that)

She said that the japanese government had been warned against building nuclear plants in a sismic region.

I also wonder about that, as if it was not enough, an earthquake , a tsunami, and now a nuclear problem caused by a tsunami :no:

Milka

12-03-2011, 05:31 PM

The steam cloud was radioactive and has exposed over 80,000 people, so to THEM, I'd expect it IS a big problem?

Yes, but I meant that in the context of a nuclear cloud coming from a meltdown. For the area around the plant, it of course is a big problem. As far as I remember it's not the first steam cloud today either. I think they had to release some because the pressure was too high. So that's why they evacuate like crazy and the evacuation radius gets bigger and bigger. And that's also why "3 people" are already contaminated ...

bouee

12-03-2011, 05:39 PM

Right. There was a cover-up for several days, and I doubt that we EVER got complete information. .

At the time, the info we got is that the French customs officers were the best in the world. They stopped the cloud at the French borders. Something that the Swiss and Germans were not able to do.

:agree:

The Healer

12-03-2011, 05:42 PM

All of this is terrible, terrible. I am in a state of shock.
I have read that a crack 240 km long and 40 km wide has opened on the ocean bottom because of the earthquacke.

bouee

12-03-2011, 05:44 PM

The Japan Times is Japan's leading newspaper.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Detection of the materials, which are created in the atomic fission process, prompted the nuclear safety agency to admit the reactor has been melting, a first for Japan.

so according to them, the reactor at least began to melt down, which sounds logical with the 10 hours the greenpeace guy was talking about, and sounds logical with wat this expert was saying, when he said that the situation at one point was VERY close to a massive disaster.

Milka

12-03-2011, 05:54 PM

At the time, the info we got is that the French customs officers were the best in the world. They stopped the cloud at the French borders. Something that the Swiss and Germans were not able to do.

:agree:

I just heard for the second time on the news today (the first time I thought it was wrong information) that we in Austria got iodine tablets back then. Which I find interesting, because if that's true - I never saw an iodine tablet in my life and wouldn't know what it looks like. And in 1986 I was still in school, you'd think they would hand them out in schools? If there was enough danger for handing them out, why does there seem to be a myth 25 years later about everybody in Austria getting them? So no, to this day we don't know the whole truth about it.

Ankita

12-03-2011, 06:11 PM

Pray, pray , pray :angel:for beautiful Japan and our beloved planet...prayers are powerful, and so is L.O.V.E...Sening out a major L.O.V.E. to all those in need...

Webbie

12-03-2011, 06:46 PM

StaceyMJ

12-03-2011, 07:05 PM

Oh gosh, this is a terrible terrible nightmare :(

Milka

12-03-2011, 07:14 PM

Next to that, they say that the radioactive cloud will hit Kamtsjatka (a Russian island) within the next 24 hours.

I didn't hear that - but our news in the last couple of hours have been a lot of blahblah and repeating the same couple of things over and over again, more or less.

So this means there IS a radioactive cloud already (where did that come from? Just from the steam? I doubt that, but of course I could be wrong) and it apparently travels NORTH? All this talk about a possible nuclear cloud traveling south or east and now this ...

Edit: Just did a quick Google search, apparently our experts say it'll pass south of Kamchatka and won't actually hit it. What I find really weird is that nobody said that there IS a radioactive cloud. It's like they are sneaking this information in through the backdoor now.

MJstarlight

12-03-2011, 07:25 PM

Praying for Japan :angel:

Webbie

12-03-2011, 07:29 PM

I didn't hear that - but our news in the last couple of hours have been a lot of blahblah and repeating the same couple of things over and over again, more or less.

So this means there IS a radioactive cloud already (where did that come from? Just from the steam? I doubt that, but of course I could be wrong) and it apparently travels NORTH? All this talk about a possible nuclear cloud traveling south or east and now this ...

Edit: Just did a quick Google search, apparently our experts say it'll pass south of Kamchatka and won't actually hit it. What I find really weird is that nobody said that there IS a radioactive cloud. It's like they are sneaking this information in through the backdoor now.

I don't understand it either. First, there was no radioactivity, then the radioactivity would be harmless, now all of a sudden, we already have a radioactive cloud...

I can only hope that the news messages here aren't correct, but I'm using the most reliable newspaper and it has always been reliable so far :(

And if the news messages are correct, I hope your experts got it right and I hope it won't actually hit Kamchatka!

ivy

12-03-2011, 07:30 PM

this is both sad and scary.

xthunderx2

12-03-2011, 07:31 PM

I just heard from my local news source that the confinement chamber is intact..they are saying this is good news.

StaceyMJ

12-03-2011, 07:35 PM

I just heard from my local news source that the confinement chamber is intact..they are saying this is good news.

Praying that this is the case!

xthunderx2

12-03-2011, 07:39 PM

Praying that this is the case!
me too...its just terrible all those poor people in Japan..possibly being expose to radioactive materials.

Milka

12-03-2011, 07:39 PM

I don't understand it either. First, there was no radioactivity, then the radioactivity would be harmless, now all of a sudden, we already have a radioactive cloud...

Yeah, it's funny how that came out of nowhere, right? It's almost like they have to sneak it in somehow now that another country might actually get affected by it or at least will notice radiation increase in Kamchatka. I think I take this as evidence that we were not told the truth about what's going on in Japan, as long as it's only in their country, they can control the information.

If there is a nuclear cloud already I would assume that the meltdown started hours ago and that the protective shell is in fact damaged. Which would also explain why "3 people" are contaminated. When no one ever said that there is actual danger for the people close to Fukushima. I guess that wasn't true either. Shocking.

Autumn II

12-03-2011, 08:01 PM

Here in my country it has now been confirmed that 3 people, the 3 victims I referred to in a previous post, have indeed been affected with radioactivity :no:

It was also mentioned that it was not a nuclear explosion, but a chemical one...
But how is that possible if they just confirm that 3 people have been tested radioactive?

Next to that, they say that the radioactive cloud will hit Kamtsjatka (a Russian island) within the next 24 hours.

The three people who tested positive were randomly selected from the Sendai population. It is not ONLY three people, but possibly all of them in that region.

Whatever caused the explosion, it all but destroyed the containment building and released radioactivity. The cause of the explosion doesn't really matter, does it? Major meltdown hasn't happened (like Chernobyl). Or not yet.

bouee

12-03-2011, 08:16 PM

The three people who tested positive were randomly selected from the Sendai population. It is not ONLY three people, but possibly all of them in that region.

I expected that. Where did you get that info ?

Whatever caused the explosion, it all but destroyed the containment building and released radioactivity. The cause of the explosion doesn't really matter, does it? Major meltdown hasn't happened (like Chernobyl). Or not yet.

My understanding, so far : everybody says that whatever leaked is radioactive. The question is the level of radioactivity. If a major meltdown happened , there would be a more massive explosion, and the level of radioactivity would be much higher.

They just said on the news that the cooling problem could last for months, and that they were not sure of how many reactors had the same problem in Fukushima(2, 3, or 4)

Milka

12-03-2011, 08:21 PM

I expected that. Where did you get that info ?

About the 3 people that are contaminated, I saw that on several news sites and also heard it on the news, I think. They were randomly selected out of the people from the evacuated area around Fukushima. So that means there is not only a lot more radioactivity than they made it sound, but also that there must be a lot more than 3 people. It also shows that they didn't manage to evacuate people in time, I think.

Autumn II

12-03-2011, 08:23 PM

[QUOTE=bouee;3291573]I expected that. Where did you get that info ?

Correction. It's three out of ninety people were positive. (from newsfeed from the CNN website.) It's not clear if ninety people were tested and only three were positive, or if the three were randomly selected from the ninety. (that makes a difference, obviously)

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=439x625288

Milka

12-03-2011, 08:28 PM

Correction. It's three out of ninety people tested were positive. (from newsfeed from the CNN website.)

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=439x625288

I read that differently ... they are saying they tested 3 people that were randomly selected from a group of 90 people? That would mean we don't know if the other 87 are contaminated or not.

Webbie

12-03-2011, 08:32 PM

The three people who tested positive were randomly selected from the Sendai population. It is not ONLY three people, but possibly all of them in that region.

Whatever caused the explosion, it all but destroyed the containment building and released radioactivity. The cause of the explosion doesn't really matter, does it? Major meltdown hasn't happened (like Chernobyl). Or not yet.

I'm sorry, I only translated what was written here. Don't be angry with me :) :flowers:

Autumn II

12-03-2011, 08:34 PM

I read that differently ... they are saying they tested 3 people that were randomly selected from a group of 90 people? That would mean we don't know if the other 87 are contaminated or not.

That's true, of the link I posted. But, googling "three test positive for radiation" produces different accounts of it. Some sites say, "Out of ninety people, only three tested positive," and others say, "three randomly selected people out of ninety tested positive." So, that makes a huge difference! I think the news will be garbled/incomplete for days, or even weeks, to come?

Pace,MioDolceCuore

12-03-2011, 08:37 PM

If you would like to do just something...
__________________________________________________ __________

Together with BeGodsGlow from the Major Love Prayer we figured we needed to do something.
The goal is to support at least one relief effort- and I settled on "Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières.

I ended up writing and recording this song in a day- and BeGodsGlow made the video.

So if you would like to do something- here are some links. Just 5 or 10 dollars- anything to help keep live saving relief efforts going in the future.
Maybe you like the song- maybe you don't- we hope you do and we hope you can spare just a few dollars perhaps.

We wanted to offer the song as a (free...total honor system...) memento and encouragement of standing together and helping, the way Michael would have tried to help through his music.

Please feel free to distribute this campaign if you feel this is something you would like to support.
__________________________________________________ ______________

Original song to support relief efforts. FREE MP3 DOWNLOAD IF YOU PLEASE MAKE A DONATION TO *DOCTORS WITHOUT BORDERS* http://www.doctorswithoutborders.org for earthquake/tsunami aid.

INTERNATIONAL SITES FOR DOCTORS WITHOUT BORDERS (for Japan, Germany, France, etc): http://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/offices/?ref=nav-footer Please help. Thank you!

Free mp3 download: http://www.megaupload.com/?d=ZVLNMAZ5

PRAYER FOR RELIEF (original song & lyrics)
Nightfall gently rolls
Spilling waterfalls
Waters crashing still
Over every hill.

Castles in the sky
Your ballroom's safe for you to fly
Mirrors everywhere
And his music that is floating here and there.

Thanks for flying with me
No emergency exits anywhere on board
Thanks for flying with me
No emergency exits anywhere

Hands surrounding him
Gently tending now to him
Feet no longer his
On his toes he'll twist

Wash away the tears
Dare to share all dreams and fears
And fall asleep at last
And a lullaby I'll sing you real fast.

Nightfall and some relief
Dimly lit sights they now see
Over rolling hills
And the peace
And the peace
And the peace
That it spills
E pace mio dolce cuore
E pace mio tesoro
Friede, Friede, Friede, mein Herz
Und Friede, Friede und Friede mein Herz!

Lyrics, Composition, Arrangement, Vocals & Piano: Irina Hale
-©2011 Irina Hale, March 11, 2011; All Rights Reserved
All pictures are owned by their respective owners. No copyright infringement is intended.

In Hope for those who are waiting for help and those rebuilding;
In Memory of those who lost their lives.

Video by BeGodsGlow-Thank you!

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Autumn II

12-03-2011, 08:38 PM

http://www.mediaite.com/tv/report-fukushima-japan-reactor-now-in-meltdown-after-explosion/

Some Reports Saying Fukushima, Japan Reactor Shield Now In Meltdown

» 12 comments (http://www.mediaite.com/tv/report-fukushima-japan-reactor-now-in-meltdown-after-explosion/#comments)by Frances Martel (http://www.mediaite.com/author/frances-martel/) | 12:57 pm, March 12th, 2011
http://static01.mediaite.com/med/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/3highres_00000402629043.jpg (http://www.mediaite.com/tv/report-fukushima-japan-reactor-now-in-meltdown-after-explosion/attachment/3highres_00000402629043/)Contrary to preliminary reports, it appears that the Fukushima, Japan’s Dai-ichi plant, may be experiencing a reactor meltdown (http://www.stratfor.com/analysis/20110312-red-alert-nuclear-meltdown-quake-damaged-japanese-plant#ixzz1GPNV2KLK). The plant suffered a huge explosion hours ago after operators lost control of its chain reactions. This according to a report by Stratfor, which notes that while its core is still reported to be intact, this could cause much more significant long-term damage than expected.
The reports are partially based on the fact that smoke coming out of the explosion is now being described as “white smoke,” indicating, rather than a conventional fire, that the concrete surrounding the reactor is melting. The piece explains pretty thoroughly what the difference is between a reactor meltdown and a core meltdown (the reactor can start melting before the heat reaches the core at a sufficiently high temperature to feed the chain reactions):
A meltdown does not necessarily mean a nuclear disaster. As long as the reactor core, which is specifically designed to contain high levels of heat, pressure and radiation, remains intact, the melted fuel can be dealt with. If the core breaches but the containment facility built around the core remains intact, the melted fuel can still be dealt with — typically entombed within specialized concrete — but the cost and difficulty of such containment increases exponentially.
It also asks a key question: whether the floor of the reactor chamber has been broken through in the explosion. If so, Japanese authorities will have to contend with radioactive materials seeping into the ground and turning the terrain into a Chernobyl-esque zone of alienation.
The reports aren’t uniform from all media wires, however. Meanwhile, The Voice of Russia is reporting (http://english.ruvr.ru/2011/03/12/47308589.html) that the explosion is unlikely to be harmful, and cited a senior Japanese official as saying no explosion occurred at all.

Autumn II

12-03-2011, 08:40 PM

I'm sorry, I only translated what was written here. Don't be angry with me :) :flowers:

Awwww. No WAY I'd be "angry with you!" Or anyone in this thread! :angel:

Milka

12-03-2011, 08:40 PM

Just heard on the news - apparently 160 people contaminated.

Autumn, on our news they have been speculating for hours now that the meltdown might already be happening.

Autumn II

12-03-2011, 08:43 PM

Just heard on the news - apparently 160 people contaminated.

That's horrible!

See above, the post by Pace,MioDolceCuore.

Where are you getting your news? Local, in your country?

Milka

12-03-2011, 08:46 PM

Where are you getting your news? Local, in your country?

Local in this case.

Edit: I just heard on the news that there is a problem with the cooling system in another reactor too. Didn't really get if they were talking about Fukushima, but I think they did. If that's true, the same thing could happen all over again.

Memefan

12-03-2011, 09:12 PM

Just heard on the news - apparently 160 people contaminated.

Autumn, on our news they have been speculating for hours now that the meltdown might already be happening.

This is horrible... I can't believe what I have been seeing on the news.

bouee

12-03-2011, 09:13 PM

A French nuclear agency has officially confirmed that there is a cooling problem with 2 other reactors in Fukushima.

bouee

12-03-2011, 09:21 PM

J
Autumn, on our news they have been speculating for hours now that the meltdown might already be happening.

Yes, I heard that before also. From the article Autumn posted, and on the TV. It's unclear how much and what has melt down, and if it is still melting down. They seem to be trying to contain it / avoid it.

Gisselle

12-03-2011, 09:45 PM

I am praying for Japan, and Planet earth!

StaceyMJ

12-03-2011, 10:11 PM

Interesting reading this thread, I've been watching the news in the UK and reports here would suggest the explosion isn't thought to be that severe.

Autumn II

12-03-2011, 10:46 PM

Go to the CNN webpage. The Japanese government has now confirmed that "a meltdown may be happening, and a second reactor has failed."

http://www.cnn.com/

I think that if the Japanese government is now confirming this potential, it must be extremely serious (this is breaking news, as of five minutes ago from this post.)

xthunderx2

12-03-2011, 11:01 PM

from what I am getting from local news there are conflicting reports about wheather or not it has exploded....God cant we just get accurate information for once out of ANY government...this is really scary. The world thinks that nuclear is so good...this is what happens...its so sad.

Alma

12-03-2011, 11:02 PM

..oh, Lord, how am I going to be able to sleep now, been a mess these days.. so worried for Japan and the world..

never trust governments..

StephluvsMJ

12-03-2011, 11:04 PM

My heart goes out to all those affected. First the earthquake, then the tsunami and now the Nuclear explosions :no: Goodness...

Autumn II

12-03-2011, 11:26 PM

It hasn't blown yet. But this is the latest CNN headline:
Race to avert a meltdown

(http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/asiapcf/03/12/japan.quake/index.html?hpt=T1&iref=BN1)

StaceyMJ

12-03-2011, 11:30 PM

Oh my goodness this is really scary. Whatever next...

Autumn II

12-03-2011, 11:36 PM

I think the reason they don't KNOW for sure, is that now nobody can get close enough to the reactor to see what's going on?
-----------------------------------------------------
(CNN)
A meltdown may be occurring at one of the reactors at an earthquake-damaged nuclear power plant in northeast Japan (http://www.latimes.com/topic/intl/japan-PLGEO000001.topic), a government official told CNN (http://www.latimes.com/topic/economy-business-finance/media-industry/news-agency/cnn-%28tv-network%29-ORCRP000008070.topic) Sunday morning Japan time.

"There is a possibility, we see the possibility of a meltdown," said Toshihiro Bannai, director of the international affairs office of Japan's Nuclear and Industrial Safety, in a telephone interview with CNN from the agency's Tokyo headquarters. "At this point, we have still not confirmed that there is an actual meltdown, but there is a possibility."

Bannai said engineers have been unable to get close enough to the reactor's core to know what's going on, and that he based his conclusion on radioactive cesium and iodine measured in the air near the plant Saturday night.

xthunderx2

12-03-2011, 11:41 PM

Autumn II

12-03-2011, 11:48 PM

thank you for that update....very scary indeed.

Yes. And even more scary because we have so little information. This touches me very personally. I used to LIVE in Japan, and have great affection for that country and its people.

And, my friend is still missing. I have no idea what's happened to her. . . .

StephluvsMJ

13-03-2011, 12:02 AM

Apparently they're using sea water to cool down the reactor.

My prayers go out to your friend, Autumn. I can't imagine how stressed you are. Hopefully you'll hear from her soon. This is terrible. :no:

helena22

13-03-2011, 12:05 AM

My heart goes out to all those affected. First the earthquake, then the tsunami and now the Nuclear explosions :no: Goodness...
Yeah...My prayer goes out to all those people in Japan and their friends and family elsewhere.

@Autumn: Where does your friend live? I pray she's safe somewhere.

Autumn II

13-03-2011, 12:26 AM

Yeah...My prayer goes out to all those people in Japan and their friends and family elsewhere.

@Autumn: Where does your friend live? I pray she's safe somewhere.

Thanks for asking. She lives in Tokyo. But, I don't know if she was THERE when the earthquake struck. Still no word.

We should all watch this situation closely, and all add our prayers and positive wishes for the people of Japan, who are facing an incredible challenge. Pray, especially, for the children who are affected.

Autumn II

13-03-2011, 03:25 AM

This monitors radiation levels in the U.S. Be safe, everyone.

http://www.radiation...tionNetwork.htm (http://www.radiationnetwork.com/RadiationNetwork.htm)

Here is a map of potentially harmful nuclear fallout, in terms of wind direction.

http://www.ki4u.com/illwind.htm

LindavG

13-03-2011, 04:51 AM

It's been interesting reading this thread and seeing the different perspectives of news from different countries. My TV broke down today so I wasn't able to watch the news, but this thread has kept me up to date so thanks for that :) I just came across a long article by a major Dutch press agency (Novum/AP) and it mentioned some things that weren't said yet here, so I'll translate it quickly for you guys, perhaps it helps understanding the situation. I'm keeping the people of Japan in my thoughts and hope your friend is OK, Autumn!

Scope of disaster Japan is getting clearer

The scope of the disaster that hit Japan on Friday is starting to get clearer 24 hours after the earthquake. Hundreds of people are still missing.

(Novum/AP) - The scope of the disaster that hit Japan on Friday is starting to get clearer 24 hours after the earthquake, although destroyed roads and closed airports are mostly blocking the entrance to the affected area.

According to the Japanese government, at least 574 people have died due to the earthquake. However, local media claim that at least 1300 people have been killed. Thousands of people are still missing and 1105 people got injured. An unknown number of victims are left under the debree. The death toll could rise considerably, for example because the Japanese railways are unable to trace four trains that were driving in the area on Friday, according to the press agency Kyodo. It is unknown how many passangers were on these trains.

There are major problems with the nuclear reactors in the affected north-east of the country and with two centrals the state of emergency was proclaimed on Saturday. Due to the force of the earthquake they are unable to cool properly. Tens of thousands of residents have been evacuated. Meanwhile, staff is trying to prevent the reactors from getting overheated. Three people that were evacuated from the area have been exposed to radioactive radiance, according to local authorities. So far, they do not show any signs of illness.

At the energy central of Fukushima, the heat and pressure in the reactor rose greatly. Due to the earthquake, the electricity is cut off. The emergency generators are also cut off, which prevents the cooling system from working properly.

Initially, about 3000 people in a radius of three kilometres were evacuated. When the radioactive radiance outside was measured to be eight times higher than usual, everyone in a radius of twenty kilometres was evacuated. In the control room of the central, the radiance is a thousand times higher than usual.

The radiance outside is only damaging in the long term, according to an expert. "If it takes long, it can cause cancer among the population". However, he finds the radiance inside worrying. "I absolutely wouldn't want to be inside there".

It is the first time in the history of Japan that the state of emergency is proclaimed due to problems with a nuclear reactor. Several hours later the manager of this central, Tokyo Electric Power, that there were also problems with other reactors in the area. Here, the state of emergency was also proclaimed. Thousands of people that lived in the area of either energy central were ordered to leave. The situation at the first central was the most serious. The pressure in the reactor was two times higher than usual. To relieve the pressure, radioactive steam has been released. Due to the power failure that operation got delayed several hours.

After an explosion at the nuclear central Fukushima 1, the walls of the building collapsed. Four employees of the central got injured at the explosion, according to Tokyo Electric Power. The metal cover in which the reactor is, did not get damaged. The radioactive radiance around the central did not increase after the explosion, but is actually decreasing according to a spokesperson of the Japanese government. The pressure in the reactors is also decreasing. Since the earthquake, the pressure increased and the temperature rose because the cooling system did not work properly anymore.

With the Japanese authorities, there is still a fear of a meltdown of one of the reactors. A meltdown, which indicates a very serious collapse of a central where temperatures are no longer able to be regulated, does not necessarily have to cause great danger, according to Yaroslav Shtrombakh, a Russian expert in the field of nuclear energy. According to Shtrombakh, a disaster like Tchernobyl seems unlikely. "It is not a quick reaction as was the case with Tchernobyl. I think everything will remain within the area and that it won't be a major catastrophe".

However, virtually every intake of radiance can increase the number of cancer patients and the authorities will provide iodine to the residents of the area, according to the International Nuclear Agency. Iodine neutralizes the effects of nuclear radiance.

... There is a lot more but I'm done for now. I'll continue tomorrow if anyone's interested :P

MIST

13-03-2011, 05:52 AM

QUOTE=Milka;3291347]I just heard for the second time on the news today (the first time I thought it was wrong information) that we in Austria got iodine tablets back then. Which I find interesting, because if that's true - I never saw an iodine tablet in my life and wouldn't know what it looks like. And in 1986 I was still in school, you'd think they would hand them out in schools? If there was enough danger for handing them out, why does there seem to be a myth 25 years later about everybody in Austria getting them? So no, to this day we don't know the whole truth about it.[/QUOTE]

In Sweden we didn´t get iodine tablets for free but we did buy them,although it was to late the radiation was already here.

AllForMJ

13-03-2011, 06:25 AM

Extending my thoughts and prayers to all that are being affected by this. I wish there was a way for everyone to leave Japan temporarily until that island stops rocking.

bouee

13-03-2011, 06:41 AM

The Google person finder for those who are looking for someone or have information about someone.

http://japan.person-finder.appspot.com/

Webbie

13-03-2011, 07:25 AM

Oh boy... I so wished there would be some good news from Japan when I woke up, but after reading the local news this morning, it seems that everything only became worse again.

Here are some updates from Belgium:

The government continued testing people on radiation.
The results so far told us that 9 people have been tested positive.
However, they do fear that between 70 and 160 people may test positive at the end.

Here they mention problems with 3 nuclear reactors as well, they would have lost control over the 3rd one, which could indeed cause an explosion. If that would happen, it would become a disaster.

The level of radioactivity has raised since this morning, and an hour ago it was measured at it's highest peak.

The government has been contacted once again (45 min ago) and a new emergency-report has been send to the (prime)minister.

140.000 people have now been evacuated.

Milka

13-03-2011, 07:34 AM

I hope the world will learn from this. Ban nuclear power plants.

In Austria we don't have them, there is actually a constitutional law against them (see links), but there are some very close to my country, some very old.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zwentendorf_Nuclear_Power_Plant

"Since 1978 Austria has a law prohibiting fission reactors for electrical power generation."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-nuclear_movement_in_Austria

http://www.ris.bka.gv.at/Dokumente/Erv/ERV_1999_1_149/ERV_1999_1_149.pdf

"Federal Constitutional Act for a Nonnuclear Austria"

Don't forget, what's happening in Japan right now is huge. But there are accidents ALL the time, we just never hear about them. As long as they are small and they can cover them up. We only ever hear about the bigger ones, and it's not like there weren't enough of those in the last decades. If there was a law that every single incident has to be reported on the news or on a special website, people probably would force their governments to get rid of these dangerous killing machines.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_civilian_nuclear_accidents

I don't think this has been posted, yesterday I also heard that Japan is in the middle of buidling 3 more and 11 are planned. They already have 54 reactors.

P. S. Makes you wonder ... now that we know VERY WELL that just turning reactors off doesn't mean they are safe ... because you never know when and if the cooling system will just stop working - what's with the other 10 nuclear power plants that were turned off during the earthquake? Are their cooling systems working? Are they damaged? This is a nightmare.

Webbie

13-03-2011, 07:49 AM

<table style="width: 720px; height: 55px;" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <td>
</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top"> Press Release (Mar 13,2011)
Occurrence of a Specific Incident Stipulated in Article 15, Clause 1 of the Act on Special Measures Concerning Nuclear Emergency Preparedness</td></tr></tbody></table>

At 2:46PM on March 11th 2011, turbines and reactors of Fukushima Daiichi
Nuclear Power Station Unit 1 (Boiling Water Reactor, rated output 460
Megawatts) and Units 2 and 3 (Boiling Water Reactor, Rated Output 784
Megawatts) that had been operating at rated power automatically shutdown
due to the Tohoku-Chihou-Taiheiyou-Oki Earthquake.

In all 3 Units, one offsite power system out of two was lost and diesel
generators were automatically activated.

At 3:41PM, diesel generators failed and as a result, all the AC power
was lost in Unit 1, 2 and 3. Following this incident, at 3:42PM, it was
determined that a specific incident stipulated in article 15, clause 1
has occurred, and level 1 emergency status was announced, together with
the notification to Ministry of Economy, Technology and Industry,
Governor of Fukushima prefecture, Mayors of Okuma town and Futaba town,
and related institutions in accordance with the law.
(already announced)

Afterwards, in Unit 3, High Pressure Core Injection System has been
automatically shut down. Re-activation of Reactor Core Isolation Cooling
System was attempted but failed, and as we were unable to confirm the
level of water injection to the reactor by the Emergency Core Cooling
System, at 5:10 on March 13th, it was determined that a specific incident
(Emergency Core Cooling System water injection inability) stipulated in
article 15, clause 1 has occurred.

UPDATE 2, released this morning as well:

<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="760"><tbody><tr><td valign="top"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="720"><tbody><tr><td valign="top">Impact to TEPCO's Facilities due to Miyagiken-Oki Earthquake (as of 8AM) </td> </tr> <tr> <td>http://www.tepco.co.jp/en/press/images/dot_w720.gif</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top">

Below is major impact to TEPCO's facilities due to the Miyagiken-Oki
Earthquake that occurred yesterday at 2:46PM.
*new items are underlined

[Nuclear Power Station]
Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station:
Units 1 to 3: shutdown due to earthquake
Units 4 to 6: outage due to regular inspection
* The national government has instructed evacuation for those local
residents within 20km radius of the site periphery.
* The value of radioactive material (iodine, etc) is increasing according
to the monitoring car at the site (outside of the site). One of the
monitoring posts is also indicating higher than normal level.
* Since the amount of radiation at the boundary of the site exceeds the
limits, we decide at 4:17PM, Mar 12 and we have reported and/or noticed
the government agencies concerned to apply the clause 1 of the Article 15
of the Radiation Disaster Measure at 5PM, Mar 12.
* In addition, a vertical earthquake hit the site and big explosion has
happened near the Unit 1 and smoke breaks out around 3:36PM, Mar 12th.
* We started injection of sea water into the reactor core of Unit 1 at
8:20PM, Mar 12 and then boric acid subsequently.
* High Pressure Coolant Injection System of Unit 3 automatically stopped.
We endeavored to restart the Reactor Core Isolation Cooling System but
failed. Also, we could not confirm the water inflow of Emergency Core
Cooling System. As such, we decided at 5.10AM, Mar 12, and we reported
and/or noticed the government agencies concerned to apply the clause 1 of
the Article 15 of the Radiation Disaster Measure at 5:58AM, Mar 13.
In order to fully secure safety, we operated the vent valve to reduce the
pressure of the reactor containment vessels (partial release of air
containing radioactive materials) and completed the procedure at 8:41AM,
Mar 13,
* We continue endeavoring to secure the safety that all we can do and
monitoring the periphery.

Fukushima Daini Nuclear Power Station:
Units 1 to 4: shutdown due to earthquake
* The national government has instructed evacuation for those local
residents within 10km radius of the periphery.
* At present, we have decided to prepare implementing measures to reduce
the pressure of the reactor containment vessel (partial discharge of air
containing radioactive materials) in order to fully secure safety.
These measures are considered to be implemented in Units 1, 2 and 3 and
accordingly, we have reported and/or noticed the government agencies
concerned.
* Unit 3 has been stopped and being "nuclear reactor cooling hot stop" at
12:15PM.
* The operator trapped in the crane operating console of the exhaust stack
was transferred to the ground at 5:13PM and confirmed the death at 5:17PM.

Kashiwazaki Kariwa Nuclear Power Station:
Units 1, 5, 6, 7: normal operation
Units 2 to 4: outage due to regular inspection

[Thermal Power Station]
Hirono Thermal Power Station Units 2 and 4: shutdown due to earthquake
Hitachinaka Thermal Power Station Unit 1: shutdown due to earthquake
Kashima Thermal Power Station Units 2, 3, 5, 6: shutdown due to earthquake
Ohi Thermal Power Station Units 2, 3: shutdown due to earthquake
Higashi-Ohgishima Thermal Power Station Unit 1: shutdown due to earthquake

[Hydro Power Station]
* All the stations have been restored.

[Transmission System, etc.]
4 substations shown below have been shutdown:
- Naka Substation
- Shin Motegi Substation
- Joban Substation
- Ibaraki Substation
- Nishi Mito Substation

Total of about 0.31 million households are out of power.
Tokyo: 0
Kanagawa Pref.: 0
Tochigi Pref.: 7,221
Chiba Pref.: 301
Saitama Pref: 0
Gunma Pref.: 0
Ibaraki Pref: 298,977
Yamanashi Pref: 0
Shizuoka Pref: 0 (east of Fuji River)

[Supply and Demand Status within TEPCO's Service Area to Secure Stable
Power Supply]
Backup supply from Shinshinano Conversion Station: 600MW
Backup supply from Sakuma Conversion Station: 300MW
Backup supply from Higashi Shimizu Conversion Station: 100MW

Because TEPCO's facilities have been seriously damaged, power shortage
may occur. TEPCO appreciates customers' cooperation in reducing electricity
usage by avoiding using unnecessary lighting and electrical equipment.

We are taking all measures to restore power, however, we expect extremely
difficult situation in power supply for tomorrow as well.
We kindly ask our customers to cooperate with us in reducing usage of power.

Please do NOT touch cut-off electric wires.

UPDATE 3, a release from this morning:

<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="720"><tbody><tr><td valign="top">[B]Plant Status of Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station (as of 9am March 13th)</td> </tr> <tr> <td>http://www.tepco.co.jp/en/press/images/dot_w720.gif</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top">

All 6 units of Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station have been shut down.

Unit 1(Shut down)
- Reactor has been shut down. However, the unit is under inspection due to
the explosive sound and white smoke that was confirmed after the big
quake occurred at 3:36PM.
- We have been injecting sea water and boric acid which absorbs neutron
into the reactor core.

Unit 2(Shut down)
- Reactor has been shut down and Reactor Core Isolation Cooling System has
been injecting water to the reactor. Current reactor water level is lower
than normal level, but the water level is steady. After fully securing
safety, we are preparing to implement a measure to reduce the pressure of
the reactor containment vessels under the instruction of the national
government.

Unit 3(Shut down)
- Reactor has been shut down. However, High Pressure Core Injection System
has been automatically shut down and water injection to the reactor is
currently interrupted. We are examining alternative way to inject water.
Also, following the instruction by the government and with fully securing
safety, steps to lowering the pressure of reactor containment vessel has
been taken. Spraying in order to lower pressure level within the reactor
containment vessel has been cancelled.
- Currently, we do not believe there is any reactor coolant leakage inside
the reactor containment vessel.

Unit 4 (shut down due to regular inspection)
- Reactor has been shut down and sufficient level of reactor coolant to
ensure safety is maintained.
- Currently, we do not believe there is any reactor coolant leakage inside
the reactor containment vessel.

Unit 5 (outage due to regular inspection)
- Reactor has been shut down and sufficient level of reactor coolant to
ensure safety is maintained.
- Currently, we do not believe there is any reactor coolant leakage inside
the reactor containment vessel.

Unit 6 (outage due to regular inspection)
- Reactor has been shut down and sufficient level of reactor coolant to
ensure safety is maintained.
- Currently, we do not believe there is any reactor coolant leakage inside
the reactor containment vessel.

Casualty
- 2 workers of cooperative firm were injured at the occurrence of the
earthquake, and were transported to the hospital.
- 1 TEPCO employee who was not able to stand by his own with his hand
holding left chest was transported to the hospital by an ambulance.
- 1 subcontract worker at important earthquake-proof building was
unconscious and transported to the hospital by an ambulance.
- The radiation exposure of 1 TEPCO employee, who was working inside the
reactor building, exceeded 100mSv and was transported to the hospital.
- 4 workers were injured and transported to the hospital after explosive
sound and white smoke were confirmed around the Unit 1.
- Presence of 2 TEPCO employees at the site are not confirmed

Others
- We measured radioactive materials inside of the nuclear power station
area (outdoor) by monitoring car and confirmed that radioactive materials
level is higher than ordinary level. Also, the level at monitoring post
is higher than ordinary level. We will continue to monitor in detail the
possibility of radioactive material being discharged from exhaust stack
or discharge canal. The national government has instructed evacuation for
those local residents within 20km radius of the periphery because it's
possible that radioactive materials are discharged.

- We will continue to take all measures to restore the security of the site
and to monitor the environment of the site periphery.

</td></tr></tbody></table>The last release, and it's not a positive one:

Occurrence of a Specific Incident Stipulated in Article 15, Clause 1 of the Act on Special Measures Concerning Nuclear Emergency Preparedness (Extraordinary increase of radiation dose at site boundary)

At 2:48PM on March 11th, turbines and reactors of Tokyo Electric Power
Company's Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station Unit 1 (Boiling Water
Reactor, rated output 460 Megawatts) and Units 2 and 3 (Boiling Water
Reactor, Rated Output 784 Megawatts) that had been operating at rated
power automatically shutdown due to the Miyagiken-oki Earthquake.

After the shut down, the values of radioactive materials (iodine, etc)
measured by the monitoring car have been increasing. Increase in the
measured value has also been recognized in one of the monitoring posts.

Furthermore, at 3:29PM, Mar 12, radiation dose measured at site boundary
has exceeded the limiting value. Therefore, at 4:17PM, Mar 12, it was
determined that a specific incident stipulated in article 15, clause 1
has occurred.

(as per the previous press release)

After that, the radiation dose at the monitoring post decreased once.
Today, the measured value revamped and the radiation dose measured at
site boundary exceeded the limiting value again. As such, at 8:56AM,
today, it was determined that a specific incident stipulated in article
15, clause 1 occurred.

We will endeavor to secure the safety and alongside, continue monitoring
the environment of the site periphery.
</pre>

</td> </tr> </tbody></table> </td> <td>http://www.tepco.co.jp/en/press/images/clear.gif</td> </tr><tr> <td colspan="3">http://www.tepco.co.jp/en/press/images/clear.gif</td></tr></tbody></table>

bouee

13-03-2011, 07:59 AM

interview of Nathalie Kosciusko-Morizet French minister for ecology this morning :

She insisted there was too little information to draw any conclusion.

What she knows :

the reactor nr 3 in Fukushima has the same evolution as nr 1 yesterday : it is possible TEPCO volutarily leaks low radioactive steam (to decrease the pressure inside the reactor ) + there is a risk of explosion (same kind of explosion as yesterday)

there probably is/has been a melt down of the core, within the shell, for reactors 1 and 3. The extent of the meltdown is unknown.

so far the shell is OK according to japanese authorities.

there is no reliable information about the level of radioactivity of the steam issued yesterday, after the explosion.

the important thing is the shell : if the core melts down but the shell is intact, most / all radioactive particles will stay within the shell. If the shell is damaged, it will depend on the extent of the damage, but if it's damaged enough then there is a possibility of a massive disaster.

Again, according to Japanese authorities , the shells of the 4 reactors are not damaged.

About the little information :
the japanese authorities don't communicate much.

There are informal contacts : TEPCO is in contact with other nuclear companies from different countries(Areva among others)

there is a person from a french nuclear agency in Japan, trying to get more info

there are contacts with AIEA

Even when you gather all the information that everyone has, there is still too little info to understand exactly and precisely what is going on in Japan.

About prevention (French pacific islands, in the southern hemisphere)

There is little risk for those islands, because the wind is not likely to reach the southern hemiphere.

opinion of an expert on the set :

they are filling the shells with water

comparison with previous nuclear incidents :
there are too few previous incidents to evaluate the possible impact : so far the closest incident would be 3 miles island (meltdown of 1/*3 of the core, no damage on shell).

it is very different from Chernobyl : there was no shell, or shell was too weak, the reactor exploded almost directly into the atmosphere.

bouee

13-03-2011, 08:05 AM

P. S. Makes you wonder ... now that we know VERY WELL that just turning reactors off doesn't mean they are safe ... because you never know when and if the cooling system will just stop working - what's with the other 10 nuclear power plants that were turned off during the earthquake? Are their cooling systems working? Are they damaged? This is a nightmare.

They say other nuclear plants are not damaged.
There are conflicting reports about the Onagawa plant.

Milka

13-03-2011, 08:14 AM

She insisted there was too little information to draw any conclusion.

At first there was a lot of information, almost too much to follow, about the earthquake (I just read in an Austrian online newspaper that the magnitude was revised to 9), the tsunami, even about the problems at the Fukushima power plant. And then ... suddenly in the last 24 hours information just died down to almost nothing. Especially about Fukushima. That's scary.

Someting else that hasn't been posted, I think ... Japan's nuclear power plants are built to withstand earthquakes up to a magnitude of 8.25. But this one was an 8.9 or 9 earthquake.

Look at this:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richter_magnitude_scale#Richter_magnitudes_example s

The difference between 8.25 and 8.9 or 8.9 and 9 doesn't sound like a lot, but see the table in the link above, it makes a huge difference.

Edit:

They say other nuclear plants are not damaged.

I don't know what to believe ...

There are conflicting reports about the Onagawa plant.

Oh, haven't heard about that one yesterday or today. Just about the fire. The lack of information and what is talked about and what isn't is astounding.

Webbie

13-03-2011, 08:54 AM

Update from a Belgian reporter who is there at the minute:

NEW UPDATE: German rescue workers are withdrawing because it simply is too dangerous! They argue that the Japanese government minimalizes the dangers.

"The radioactivity is much higher than what the Japanese prime minister says. It's too dangerous to stay here. We leave right away.

"The German government calls on his rescue crue to leave Japan as soon as possible."

A look at 'The Japanese Times tells us that no one really touched the core (or will get to the core). All aerial photographs and press releases ...

http://static0.hln.be/static/FOTO/pe/4/0/3/media_xl_4098513.jpg?20110313100818

http://static3.hln.be/static/FOTO/pe/18/3/14/media_l_4098584.jpg?20110313100838

http://static3.hln.be/static/FOTO/pe/1/0/2/media_l_4098377.jpg?20110312225322
© epa
http://static2.hln.be/static/FOTO/pe/10/6/9/media_l_4098519.jpg?20110313082017
© reuters
http://static2.hln.be/static/FOTO/pe/5/16/0/media_l_4098495.jpg?20110313004340
© reuters
http://static1.hln.be/static/FOTO/pe/7/1/2/media_l_4098497.jpg?20110313004358
© ap
http://static2.hln.be/static/FOTO/pe/3/16/2/media_l_4098512.jpg?20110313004346
© ap
http://static2.hln.be/static/FOTO/pe/6/0/1/media_l_4098496.jpg?20110313004353
© reuters
http://static2.hln.be/static/FOTO/pe/10/12/6/media_l_4098576.jpg?20110313100122
© afp
http://static2.hln.be/static/FOTO/pe/11/13/7/media_l_4098577.jpg?20110313100131
© ap
http://static1.hln.be/static/FOTO/pe/18/1/10/media_l_4098565.jpg?20110313100138
© afp
http://static0.hln.be/static/FOTO/pe/12/14/8/media_l_4098578.jpg?20110313100145
© afp
http://static2.hln.be/static/FOTO/pe/0/2/11/media_l_4098566.jpg?20110313100159
© afp
http://static3.hln.be/static/FOTO/pe/14/16/10/media_l_4098580.jpg?20110313100207
© afp

bouee

13-03-2011, 08:55 AM

Oh, haven't heard about that one yesterday or today. Just about the fire. The lack of information and what is talked about and what isn't is astounding.

That's what I heard too, a fire, but it looks like it was 2 days ago.

About the lack of information, yes, that's scary.....

Everyone is extremely upset about that.

The french minister said she thought the japanese authorities are entirely dedicated to dealing with the situation.

Also it seems impossible to send people inside the reactor building, it makes me wonder if TEPCO have all the information themselves.

The japanese authorities have warned about a risk of explosion in reactor 3. I'm wondering if they know what kind of explosion to expect, and what the consequences would be.

I heard that the evacuation is complete within a 20km radius of Fukushima, they are still evacuating further and issuing precaution advice for the population + delivering iodine pills.
They seem to be testing the evacuated people for irradiation.
Obviously they are getting ready for a potential massive explosion. It doesn't mean it will happen.

What I gathered from all talks from the experts, they don't seem to know the extent of the possible consequences. They don't have enough references. The reactors in Japan are more powerful than the ones in Chernobyl or three mile islands.
The shells are also much stronger, and supposedly designed to resist an explosion of the reactor.

My feelings about this are mixed : I hope the shells will not be damaged.

But in general, not only in Japan, we are playing with fire with nuclear energy. We don't know what we're doing. Sounds crazy to build nuclear power plant in sismic areas (there are nuclear plants in sismic areas here too). It sounds crazy also that no one seems to able to evaluate the consequences of a worst case scenario.

bouee

13-03-2011, 09:07 AM

Someting else that hasn't been posted, I think ... Japan's nuclear power plants are built to withstand earthquakes up to a magnitude of 8.25. But this one was an 8.9 or 9 earthquake.
The French minister who just spoke on TV said exactly the same thing : they base the protection on past earthquakes, at least in France. So if an unusual earthquake happens.... we're not protected.
And since you can not predict the magnitude of an earthquake....

The difference between 8.25 and 8.9 or 8.9 and 9 doesn't sound like a lot, but see the table in the link above, it makes a huge difference.
.

I come from an earthquake area, I've experienced a few myself, but nothing as big as the Pacific coasts. 1 degree on the richter scale = about 30 times stronger. So a 9 degree earthquake would be around 30 times "stronger" than a 8 degree earthquake.

Webbie

13-03-2011, 09:16 AM

Using sea water to cool a nuclear reactor as the Japanese do in the Fukushima nuclear power, shows us how desperate they are" says a U.S. nuclear expert.

"The situation is so critical that they are no longer able to carry fresh water to the reactor to cool down, "said Robert Alvarez, a specialist in nuclear disarmament at the Institute for Policy Studies in Washington.

"At this stage we are dealing with a situation similar to Chernobyl, where one begins to deposit sand and cement" to a fusion reactor to cover, said Peter Bradford, former director of the American Committee for nuclear monitoring.

Milka

13-03-2011, 09:21 AM

Update from a Belgian reporter who is there at the minute:

NEW UPDATE: German rescue workers are withdrawing because it simply is too dangerous! They argue that the Japanese government minimalizes the dangers.

"The radioactivity is much higher than what the Japanese prime minister says. It's too dangerous to stay here. We leave right away.

"The German government calls on his rescue crue to leave Japan as soon as possible."

Ok, this says it all. "Right away" in the context of radiation says it all. Who knows what's really going on there, I'm sure this will kill more people than the earthquake and the tsunami in the long run. It's man-made. Will we learn?

bouee, yes, 2 days ago and that they managed to put out the fire. And then ... nothing, crickets.

Building them is insane, building them in seismic zones is above and beyond insane. They can't give us a worst case scenario, because nobody knows. And the worst case scenario is definitely worse than what the public is told (in general, not just now, aren't we always told how safe nuclear power plants are?).

The worst case scenario is so horrible that they would never tell us. I think I posted this yesterday, this is my worst case scenario (and that's only my opinion and doesn't have to happen as long as they can avoid meltdown, or if it's already happening stop it and as long as the protective shell remains intact AND the wind blows the radioactive cloud to the east) - if something similar like Tschernobyl happens in Fukushima AND the wind blows the cloud south ... there is Tokyo with 35 million people living in and around Tokyo. It's impossible to evacuate 35 million people. So one stupid reactor can potentially kill and/or make 35 million people sick (and more, it's not like there are no people between Fukushima and Tokyo and further down south). That's really worth it?

And just because it hasn't happened yet anywhere in the world doesn't mean it won't in the future. Could happen every day. And it's not like there aren't alternatives. It's not like we have to go back to candles and oil lamps.

Webbie

13-03-2011, 09:33 AM

Ok, this says it all. "Right away" in the context of radiation says it all. Who knows what's really going on there, I'm sure this will kill more people than the earthquake and the tsunami in the long run. It's man-made. Will we learn?

Apperently, they can't/won't leave after all:

The German workers were here in Nirata since yesterday morning and were ready to leave. But the risk is too big for them. All roads have been blocked now. It would mean traveling for hours through mountains and small roads. Even a piece in the snow.

The other workers currently hold a large briefing. Wonder what they will decide!

Off topic: Lady Gaga has just donated $16 million to the people who have been affected... She also designed a bracelet which is for sale in her shop now. All profits will go to the Japanese victims.

Milka

13-03-2011, 09:44 AM

Different subject that hasn't been posted about a lot today and yesterday. The consequences of the earthquake and the tsunami.

At least 1.4 million homes are without water, 2.5 million homes have no electricity. Witness reports of people panic buying food. Not enough gas for cars, since most gas stations are closed. Vast areas are still surrounded by water and can't be reached. Thousands of people are struggling because they are running out of food.

3.000 people were saved so far, said Prime Minister Naoto Kan on Saturday. According to police, 390.000 people had to leave their homes, including the people that were evacuted around Fukushima. Thousands are in shelters, the 1.400 shelters are not enough though for all the people looking for shelter.

dangerous2000watts

13-03-2011, 11:09 AM

I heard there's a possibility for several after shocks...
I hope every fan from Japan is safe.

Milka

13-03-2011, 11:58 AM

Prime minister Naoto Kan says this is the biggest crisis for Japan since the end of World War II. He is confident that Japan can overcome it. He also said the situation in Fukushima is serious, but that it's very different than Tschernobyl 25 years ago.

The French government gave a recommendation for French citizens to leave the region in and around Tokyo because of the risk of after shocks and the situation in Fukushima.

It's still not foreseeable how many casualties there are, they are still recovering hundreds of dead people. 12.000 people have been saved from the debris so far. 100.000 soldiers are helping, there are 600.000 refugees in shelters, many have to be turned away because there is no room left.

So far there were 25 after shocks magnitude 6 and higher, more than 150 weaker after shocks, according to USGC.

Source: http://orf.at

Webbie

13-03-2011, 12:03 PM

Local news:

The Meteorological Agency of Japan has removed the tsunami alerts for the Japanese coast on the Pacific Ocean. Seismologists warn, however, for severe aftershocks over the next few days.

Experts fear that a new major earthquake will cause further damage to the nuclear reactors of the Fukushima I and II, while technicians remain busy to prevent a possible meltdown.

From the Belgian journalist:

The situation gets out of control again at Fukushima nuclear power plant. For the second time, 160,000 Japanese have just been evacuated..

_nita

13-03-2011, 01:04 PM

This whole situations that the people in Japan have to go through is so frightening and horrifying.. :sad:
My prayers and positive wishes go out to all of them! :pray:

Milka

13-03-2011, 01:19 PM

After reactor 1 and 3, there is now reactor 2 without cooling system and has to be cooled with boron enriched sea water. So it's 3 reactors now. Will this ever end?

And about reactor 3 - according to Greenpeace in reactor 3 there are special rods made of toxic plutonium, and this plutonium/uranium mix has a low melting point, which means a meltdown is possible at lower temperatures (than in reactor 1).

Greenpeace also said that due to a chain of different events, things are possibly out of control. I think Greenpeace is right ...

http://www.greenpeace.org/international/en/news/Blogs/

bouee

13-03-2011, 01:31 PM

bouee

13-03-2011, 01:35 PM

The French embassy is advising against travelling to the area, and advises to leave Tokyo for 3 to 4 days , because of the nuclear situation combined with the risks of aftershocks.

Milka

13-03-2011, 01:37 PM

1st state of emergency (the lowest) at the Onagawa nuclear plant (that's another one, north of Fukushima). There is unusual radioactivity near the plant. The operator of the Onagawa power plant is Tohoku Electric Power Company. They are investigating the source of the radiation, but say that the reactor is OK.

http://www.iaea.org/newscenter/news/tsunamiupdate01.html

That's the one with the fire ... somebody make this stop.

A map of Japan's nuclear power plants:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Japan_nuke_plant_map3

If I'm not mistaken Sendai is basically right in the middle between Fukushima and Onagawa.

According to STUK (Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority, Finland) wind direction might turn towards Tokyo Monday evening.

bouee

13-03-2011, 01:48 PM

If I'm not mistaken Sendai is basically right in the middle between Fukushima and Onagawa.

Yes, and there is also Fukushima City. I haven't been able to figure out how far they are from the plants, if they are within the evacuation zone.

Milka

13-03-2011, 01:54 PM

Yes, and there is also Fukushima City. I haven't been able to figure out how far they are from the plants, if they are within the evacuation zone.

If you find a good map of Japan, please post the link. Fukushima City:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fukushima,_Fukushima

"It lies about 250 km north of Tokyo and 80 km south of Sendai"

"As of 2003, the city has an estimated population of 290,866"

Did we hear about that many people being evacuated? Wasn't it something around 200.000? In any case, that's a lot of people living there and it sounds pretty close to the power plant.

bouee

13-03-2011, 02:00 PM

Did we hear about that many people being evacuated? Wasn't it something around 200.000? In any case, that's a lot of people living there and it sounds pretty close to the power plant.

About 150 000 , then it's not clear within what radius (some reports say the evacuation is complete within a 20 km radius, others say 10 km ), I think the evacuation is going on, but I haven't heard about it for some time.

*Little Suzie*

13-03-2011, 02:03 PM

Oh My God, People!!!!!
WHAT ABOUT THE HELPLESS ANIMALS WHO SUFFER TOO?!?!
It's ALL about HUMAN ALL THE TIME

Autumn II

13-03-2011, 02:38 PM

Thanks Webbie bouee, and Milka for your informative updates.

One thing that is fairly certain is that the extent of damage is being minimized by the Japanese government. Possibly to prevent widespread panic, and to minimize the appearance of the risk of nuclear power plants -- upon which Japan is heavily dependent?

At this point we have no way of knowing how high the radiation levels really are. Japan has a history of nuclear accidents, and then for the official reports to minimize the severity.

We know there has been an evacuation order. What we DON'T know is how possible this is, given damaged railways and roads, and the inevitable traffic congestion. Also, do we know if shelters have been provided for these people, outside of the "nuclear zone?"

One thing that keeps cropping up on news is "the situation is under control." Sure doesn't LOOK like it? Also, every plant into which they are pumping sea-water is a plant they have given up on. The sea-water causes terminal corrosion to the plant, and it wouldn't be functional again. So this is a last-ditch scenario.

The good news (??????) is that so far, the containment buildings seem to be holding. That is the most important factor, to contain radiation from a meltdown. At this point, do we know if there is one meltdown, or two, or three? Anyone know?

LindavG

13-03-2011, 02:45 PM

The police in the north-eastern district of Miyagi believes the death toll will exceed 10.000. This district was hit very hard in the earthquake and tsunami, one town was completely swept away. According to Japanese authorities, the "official" death toll is 801.

Milka

13-03-2011, 02:52 PM

Also, every plant into which they are pumping sea-water is a plant they have given up on. The sea-water causes terminal corrosion to the plant, and it wouldn't be functional again. So this is a last-ditch scenario.

I think they gave up on the plant days ago. And also, not just because of the damage to the plant, but because of the radiation, this power plant won't be used anymore for anything. By now I'm pretty sure the whole area (no idea what radius) is contaminated and nobody will live or work in that area again for hundreds of years.

The good news (??????) is that so far, the containment buildings seem to be holding. That is the most important factor, to contain radiation from a meltdown. At this point, do we know if there is one meltdown, or two, or three? Anyone know?

Hard to say, still conflicting reports, not much on reactor 2 yet. In my opinion and with all the conflicting reports in the last 36 - 48 hours, I'd say possibly 3. Because I'm sure "we" are the last to know what's actually going on and how bad it is.

Any news about Onagawa?

LindavG

13-03-2011, 03:09 PM

I do hope this is a wake-up call to other countries that nuclear energy is not as safe as is often claimed. I don't live in an earthquake area fortunately but our new government is planning to build a lot more nuclear plants because nuclear energy is so cheap, clean and "safe". The nuclear waste is stored underground in (densely) populated areas. We are also storing American nuclear weapons. I'm not sure how "safe" this is, but it doesn't sound very comforting to me. We haven't had that many earthquakes in the past but nature is very unpredictable and shouldn't be messed with! Besides, it wouldn't take a 9-scale earthquake to cause a devastating tsunami here cause my country is far below sea level... if the dykes break, we'd be trapped like rats in a cage with nowhere to go. The idea is terrifying. We may not be able to prevent natural disasters, but we can often minimize the effects if we aren't so reckless and greedy. Why on earth are we willing to take these huge risks just to save a few bucks?

Btw, experts are warning for heavy aftershocks in the coming days, some with a scale of 6 or higher. When will it stop? :(

bouee

13-03-2011, 03:17 PM

At this point, do we know if there is one meltdown, or two, or three? Anyone know?

I'd say 2 likely partial meltdowns (they are not confirmed) : Fukushima 1 and 3.

They believe the explosion in Fukushima 1 was due to hydrogen. It's difficult for me to explain in English, I'll try : according to what I heard different expert say, the presence of hydrogen means that the water level inside the reactor was low, and the core was partly out of the water. If it was out of the water, the heat will get higher, that's why it is likely that there was a partial meltdown.

The japanese authorities say they fear an explosion due to hydrogen in Fukushima 3.

Autumn II

13-03-2011, 03:22 PM

If we don't learn from history, we are doomed to repeat it. If this is not a wake-up call about the risks of nuclear power, I can't imagine what would be. As a member of an "older generation," I am SO sorry that I didn't try harder in anti-nuclear efforts, and I am SO sorry for what the children face.

In terms of "history," the Japanese have a long and very poor track-record in telling the TRUTH about their nuclear accidents. Given the enormity of this disaster, and the potential effect on other countries, I think they have a RESPONSIBILITY to tell the truth in their official statements. But, I doubt they will. We must read between the lines. The truth? Not sure, except that this has been a series of catastrophic failures at nuclear power plants, and the emissions of radiation must be far greater than they are telling us. The risk is obviously ongoing.

If we've learned ANYTHING from Michael's life, at least we should understand media-spin, and that we have to search for the truth on our own. . it won't be "given" to us. So in this instance, we should look at what is being DONE. Foreign relief teams are saying it's too dangerous, and are trying to leave. Compare that to the official spin of "minimal radiation released?" That is a LIE. Compare that official spin to the 170,000 people being evacuated, and the iodide tablets being handed out. That, alone, tells us that exposure was significant.

In terms of "evacuations," you do realize that just because a population has been told to "leave," doesn't mean they CAN? How? Rail-lines are broken, roads in bad shape, and traffic-clogged. HOW are they going to leave?

This is a disaster of such a scope, I've seen nothing like it in my lifetime.

(Oh, and this is a small thing compared to the human tragedy . . . but, "goodbye, Sony?" Just think about it? Don't know how many office/factories were in Japan, but a large number of Japanese buildings were damaged, infrastructure wrecked -- little or no transportation or ways to even get to work -- and no shipping of products or obtaining parts. Japanese industry will be incredibly badly affected. THINK about it?)

bouee

13-03-2011, 03:29 PM

Any news about Onagawa?

A guy from the IAEA was just interviewed, he insisted he didn't have more info than the statement they issued.
Based on what they are told, he said it could be radioactivity coming from Fukushima.

there will be un update in the news in about 2 hours, with people from the government, experts and green activists.

I have heard now that 215 000 persons had been evacuated.

Milka

13-03-2011, 03:34 PM

In terms of "evacuations," you do realize that just because a population has been told to "leave," doesn't mean they CAN? How? Rail-lines are broken, roads in bad shape, and traffic-clogged. HOW are they going to leave?

Evacuation doesn't just mean they tell people to leave and then they are on their own. They are transported out of the evacuation area in a controlled way according to evacuation plans. So I really don't think that there are many people left in the evacuated areas. Or any.

Based on what they are told, he said it could be radioactivity coming from Fukushima.

I just read that too. It's possible, it's just 150 km away. But it would also mean that radiation is spreading (which, of course, it is, but we haven't been told yet).

LindavG

13-03-2011, 03:42 PM

This is a disaster of such a scope, I've seen nothing like it in my lifetime.

I wouldn't go that far. What about the tsunami in Indonesia that killed 250.000 people? Or the earthquake in Haiti that killed between 92.000 and 220.000 people? Or the horrible nuclear disaster in Tchernobyl? At least Japan is a developed country with enough resources and knowledge to (at least partially) handle this. I'm afraid we won't know the true scope of this disaster for many years to come, though.

Milka

13-03-2011, 03:43 PM

Breaking News on orf.at:

Cooling system in nuclear power plant Tokai (south of Fukushima) stopped working. It's about 120 km north of Tokyo, there was an accident at that plant in 1999.

Will this ever end?

I was worried about that one, it's so close to Fukushima. Didn't I say yesterday 11 plants were shut down and we don't know if the cooling systems in the 10 other ones are working? Now we know ...

This is insane.

Webbie

13-03-2011, 03:43 PM

Update from 11 minutes ago:

Very heavy aftershock in Fukushima. I'm staying on the fourth floor of a hotel in the center and you could feel the building shaking during more than 30 seconds ...

They fear for a new explosion this night or tomorrow.

Milka

13-03-2011, 03:46 PM

I wouldn't go that far. What about the tsunami in Indonesia that killed 250.000 people? Or the earthquake in Haiti that killed between 92.000 and 220.000 people? Or the horrible nuclear disaster in Tchernobyl? At least Japan is a developed country with enough resources and knowledge to (at least partially) handle this. I'm afraid we won't know the true scope of this disaster for many years to come, though.

It is the worst I have seen in the sense that the nuclear disaster in now 3 power plants can potentially kill millions of people (about 35 million people live in and around Tokyo alone).

bouee

13-03-2011, 03:47 PM

The situation here is incredibly complicated :

I'm not sure they completely lost control on the Fukushima plant, but they're not far from it.

Then the area has been devastated by the earthquake and a tsunami. a lot of people there have no home to protect themselves from the radiations, so they have to evacuate.

Evacuation is complicated, there are huge traffic jams, it takes more time.

And they expect aftershocks...

I hope, I really hope they are taking extreme precautions because of all those combined factors, and that it turns out to be a big scare, and not a big disaster..

I have just seen some of the evacuated people on TV, its heartbreaking ... :no:

They are exhausted, some of them were contaminated (they didn't say how many, or how much contamiantion they received), they say that it was very cold around Fukushima...

Some of the evacuated people were taken to Tokyo.

Milka

13-03-2011, 03:54 PM

Tokai is Japan's first nuclear power plant:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/T%C5%8Dkai_Nuclear_Power_Plant

Reuters:
http://af.reuters.com/article/energyOilNews/idAFTKG00708120110313

bouee

13-03-2011, 04:04 PM

Evacuation doesn't just mean they tell people to leave and then they are on their own. They are transported out of the evacuation area in a controlled way according to evacuation plans. So I really don't think that there are many people left in the evacuated areas. Or any.

Some of them were taken by bus, ambulances, etc.. I have heard that a 10 or 20 km radius had been completely evacuated, but I think it's still on going. And some people must take their cars, they just showed huge traffic jams.

I just read that too. It's possible, it's just 150 km away. But it would also mean that radiation is spreading (which, of course, it is, but we haven't been told yet).

yes, it is spreading. What we STILL don't know is the level of radiation. Apparently, if radioacticity is rising above the legal limit around the plantn , the power plant operator HAS to report it to the authorities.

Remember I wrote something about that this morning. I said they were conflicting reports about Onagawa. One thing I heard on TV this morning was just that , that there was some radioactivity outside the Onigawa plant. But I couldn't find any confirmation, so I didn't post it this morning. And I didn't hear about it until the IAEA confirmed it, 5 hours later.

Speechless09

13-03-2011, 04:04 PM

:( All the news from Japan are scaring me to death. I still remember me of Tschernobyl. ... And all news are terrible. My prayers are always with the people in Japan.:angel:

bouee

13-03-2011, 04:11 PM

Hicci

13-03-2011, 04:21 PM

Since 2000 we have had 9/11, Madrid 2004, 7/7, Haiti 2010, 2004 Tsunami, Christchurch 2010, etc.
And now this :no:

Autumn II

13-03-2011, 04:49 PM

bouee

13-03-2011, 04:54 PM

(Reuters) - Japan Atomic Power said on Monday that the cooling process was working at its Tokai No.2 nuclear power plant's reactor although two of the three diesel power generators used for cooling were out of order.

The reactor at the plant, about 120 km (75 miles) north of Tokyo in Ibaraki prefecture, was automatically shut after Friday's massive earthquake and tsunami. (Reporting by Kiyoshi Takenaka; Editing by Chris Gallagher)

http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/03/13/japan-quake-cooling-idUSTKG00708220110313

MIST

13-03-2011, 04:56 PM

Someone was wondering about animals,here is a newsletter I got from IFAW-internationell Fund for Animal Welfare

"Our hearts go out to the people of Japan.

The magnitude 8.9 earthquake that struck near Japan’s east coast spawned a ferocious tsunami that swept away buildings and vehicles, sparked numerous fires, and inundated vast swaths of cropland.

The human tragedy is profound: hundreds of people have already perished and that number could quickly rise as rescue efforts continue. Scores of homes were destroyed and much of the impact area will likely be without power for some time.

Of course, there may also be hundreds or thousands of domestic and wild animals in need of care and attention.

The human rescue and relief efforts are already underway, and I’ve advised our Emergency Relief Teams to be on standby to rescue animals.

IFAW’s teams are experts in water rescue and have responded to numerous earthquakes, tsunamis, floods and other disasters. We are closely monitoring the situation in Japan through IFAW’s office in Tokyo, and have already reached out to our friends and contacts there to offer whatever assistance is needed.

I will update you as soon as we know more about any help IFAW might be asked to provide.

In the meantime, please join me in keeping the people of Japan in your hearts and thoughts."

Webbie

13-03-2011, 04:57 PM

Breaking News on orf.at:

Cooling system in nuclear power plant Tokai (south of Fukushima) stopped working. It's about 120 km north of Tokyo, there was an accident at that plant in 1999.

We've had the same update, but here they are speaking about 2 new nuclear power plants with problems instead of only one: the first in Tokai (cooling problems) and the second would be in Onagawa.

The plant in Onagawa does not have cooling problems, but is leaking right now.

Milka

13-03-2011, 04:58 PM

Don't know if this has been posted before, but if so, here it is again, FYI.

This is a link for live-stream Japanese tv. (It's translated into English, but the news is Japanese.)

http://wwitv.com/tv_channels/6810.htm

Thanks, that's great! That's NHK, Japan's public service broadcaster (like our ORF). They showed a lot of their news on ORF yesterday in special news broadcasts about the disaster, with German translation. Today, I don't know why, but they basically just stick with the usual news broadcasts (just a couple of minutes every few hours instead of hours and hours on end yesterday). Maybe there are just not enough news today with all the secrecy.

We've had the same update, but here they are speaking about 2 new nuclear power plants with problems instead of only one: the first in Tokai (cooling problems) and the second would be in Onagawa.

The plant in Onagawa does not have cooling problems, but is leaking right now.

It's leaking? Haven't seen that on our news. Here it still says it's possibly radiation from Fukushima. If it is leaking, then the big question is why. I wish they would stop playing hide and seek with us.

Interesting post, MIST, thank you!

:( All the news from Japan are scaring me to death. I still remember me of Tschernobyl. ... And all news are terrible. My prayers are always with the people in Japan.:angel:

I'm scared too, I also remember Tschernobyl all too well ...

Webbie

13-03-2011, 05:22 PM

Absolutely no idea what the reason may be though... It doesn't mention anything else, except that and the fact that the level of radioactivity is high.

We've received a new update claiming that the problems in Tokai have been solved. The problem started after the failure of a pump, but a spare pump has now taken over and is working appropriately. But this last update comes from the plant manager and the local news here says that the plant manager is not exactly reliable.

Here is the previous update regarding the leak, translated in English:

Japan has declared a state of emergency for the plant in Onagawa (north of Tokyo), because of the release of excessive radiation.

The Japanese authorities are investigating exactly where the radioactive leak comes from.

According to the Japanese nuclear experts, there are no problems with the cooling process in the three reactors of the nuclear plant.

Autumn II

13-03-2011, 05:49 PM

From the New York Times.

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/13/world/asia/13nuclear.html?_r=1&ref=todayspaper