http://www.theaustralian.com.au/no-...on-call-goes-out/story-fn84naht-1226020202319
A JAPANESE nuclear safety panel says radiation levels are 1000 times above normal in a reactor control room after a huge quake damaged a plant's cooling system. Public broadcaster NHK, quoting nuclear safety officials, said there was “no immediate health hazard” to nearby residents from a possible minute leakage, and people were urged to evacuate the area calmly.
The elevated reading was taken in the control room of the No1 reactor of the Fukushima No1 nuclear power plant, said the Nuclear and Industrial Safety Agency of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.
Kyodo News said that the discovery suggested radioactive steam could spread around the facility, which is located about 250km northeast of Tokyo and operated by Tokyo Electric Power.
Prime Minister Naoto Kan said early today that residents living within 10km of the plant must evacuate. He then stepped onto a helicopter to head for the area.
A JAPANESE nuclear safety panel says radiation levels are 1000 times above normal in a reactor control room after a huge quake damaged a plant's cooling system. Public broadcaster NHK, quoting nuclear safety officials, said there was “no immediate health hazard” to nearby residents from a possible minute leakage, and people were urged to evacuate the area calmly.
The elevated reading was taken in the control room of the No1 reactor of the Fukushima No1 nuclear power plant, said the Nuclear and Industrial Safety Agency of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.
Kyodo News said that the discovery suggested radioactive steam could spread around the facility, which is located about 250km northeast of Tokyo and operated by Tokyo Electric Power.
Prime Minister Naoto Kan said early today that residents living within 10km of the plant must evacuate. He then stepped onto a helicopter to head for the area.