77 replies to this topic

[Zimbochick]

Just horrible.

http://www.nytimes.c...11_japan.html#4

[TAP]

http://www.guardian....e-live-coverage

Japanese authorities are now warning that the pressure is still rising at the Fukushima No 1 nuclear power plant after its cooling system failed, with 3,000 residents being moved out of the area after the government issued a state of emergency.
Japan's nuclear safety agency says pressure inside the reactor has risen to 1.5 times the level considered normal. To reduce the pressure, slightly radioactive vapor may be released – but the agency said the radioactive element in the vapor would not affect the environment or human health.
The agency says staff are trying to restore cooling water supply at the plant but "there is no prospect for an immediate success," according to AP.

[cousin it]

Cross posted:

GODFUCKINGDAMN!!!

[Hula]

all islands, low areas were evacuated last night. our disaster sirens went off every hour. all islands had a 6 foot rise of the ocean come ashore. depending on the ocean floor near the shore helps either keep the water closer to shore or allows the water to flow onto the land. we fared pretty well for the most part. kona side got hit pretty good. boats in oahu harbor got bashed around a bit. my harbor got a good dose of water as well. we have lots of road closures, all our schools are closed and I am sure we have some water damage in homes in low areas. but thankfully we did not get hit with a 30 foot wall like japan did. I just saw film from santa cruz ca. where boats in their warf area were bashed about pretty good.

[TAP]

http://motherjones.c...-warning-center

But just last month, Republicans voted to gut funding for the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center—a cut that would cripple the National Weather Service's ability to issue warnings about such disasters.

[Zimbochick]

Glad to hear you are safe Hula! Keep us posted.

[TAP]

BBC: The Kyodo news agency is now citing a safety panel as saying that the radiation level inside one of the reactors at the Fukushima-Daiichi nuclear plant is 1,000 times higher than normal.

[Zimbochick]

http://www3.nhk.or.j...lish/12_38.html

Venting air from reactor container suspended

The operation at Fukushima No.1 plant to lower pressure of the containment vessel has been suspended due to high radiation levels at the site.

Pressure of the reactor container is rising as its cooling system became dysfunctional due to a blackout and power generator breakdown. This has raised concern about possible damage to the container.

The power station's operator, Tokyo Electric Power Company, began to vent air from the reactor container at 9AM on Saturday.

Under the plan, 2 valves close to the container would be opened manually, but radiation level on the second valve was found higher than expected.

The operation has been suspended because of the possibility that workers could be exposed to radiation. The utility is reportedly studying how to open the valve by replacing workers at a short interval, or using electric remote control.

The Nuclear and Industrial Safety Agency says if radioactive substance is released in the air, safety of residents evacuated beyond a 10-kilometer radius from the No.1 reactor will be ensured.

Saturday, March 12, 2011 13:09 +0900 (JST)

[Zimbochick]

Here's an interesting look at the top 5 nuclear disasters to date:

http://news.discover...-disasters.html

[LISA]

Glad you are safe Hula

[Hula]

thanks all again. took a drive today and man is there a lot of mud along the coast roads

[TAP]

http://www.vanityfai...udian-slip.html

[lynn]

It is very horrible. I can't even imagine. Glad you're ok, Hula, and that you only got part the tail end of it. Had to have been very scary.