- checking login information
Loading...Japanese Officials Request Closure Of Three Nuclear Reactors
A Japanese power company was advised to suspend operations at three of its coastal nuclear reactors until government officials determine whether they can withstand a major earthquake or tsunami.
Fearing a second radiation crisis, the Japanese government is conducting a safety review of all 54 of the country’s nuclear reactors after the March 11 earthquake and tsunami that crippled the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear plant and left more than 25,000 people dead.
The reactors in question are located at the Hamaoka nuclear plant, which is positioned a scant 110 yards (100 meters) off the Pacific coast in central Japan.
According to the New York Times, Chubu Electric Power Co. said in a statement it will “swiftly consider” the government’s request. The statement gave no further details. Government officials estimate the work could last two years.
Prime Minister Naoto Kan said at a news conference Friday evening he requested the shutdown for safety reasons, citing experts’ forecast of a 90 percent probability of a quake with magnitude of 8.0 or higher striking central Japan within 30 years.
Since the disaster at the Fukushima plant, Chubu Electric Power Co. has drawn up safety measures that include building a 12 foot-tall seawall over the next two to three years.
Currently, there are no concrete sea barriers protecting the ocean from the plant, but there are 32 to 50 foot sandhills between the ocean and the reactors, according to the company.
However, government officials say that it’s too risky to continue operating the reactors until more robust safety measures can be constructed.
Radiation leaks from the Fukushima crisis forced the evacuation of 80,000 people living within a 12-mile (20-kilometer) radius of the plant, and caused elevated radiation levels in milk, produce, tap and seawater.
Releated Reading:
Fukushima 50 Fight On Despite Dangerous Radiation Levels
Fukushima Radiation Plumes Reach U.S. East Coast
Chernobyl, Fukushima, And The Horror Of Technology (Video)
Read more: earthquake, environment & wildlife, japan 8.9, natural disaster, nuclear meltdown, nuclear plant, radiation, tsunami
Image Credit: Flickr – mad_house_photography
Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may
not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.
Recent Comments from Causes
Cute ones... thank you!! ^..^
What happens when all species of animals on earth are destroyed? It's already happening. Human encroachment,…
Patty b asks: "Teresa b. how much time do you spend every day wading through the frequent advertisements…
meet our writers
60 comments
+ add your ownShut all of them down!!
Yes they should be closed!
Thanks for the article.
My admiration for the way the ppl conducted themselves during the aftermath of the earthquake sky-rocketed. I have all the faith in the world in Japan and I believe they can overcome and do it in an earth friendly way.
Meant to say Unit One!
TEPCO officials have admitted Unit has melted down. See what Helen Caldicott says in an interview today at:
http://www.independentaustralia.net/2011/environment/the-horrifying-consequences-of-the-fukushima-meltdown/
This is planning for the next earth quake--NOT dealing with a present disaster. Yes, add more wind, solar, geothermal, other sustainable energy first--then when the sustainable energy is in place, decommission the nuclear power.
i wish we'd close them all thanks for sharing
No nuclear on Earth!!!
Thank you everybody. And I promise you about nuclear safety state now in Japan recently. There are a lot of nuclear plant in Japan. But I can live in Tokyo without radiation sufferings.
login to add your comment
use your care2 login
add your comment