Japan hit by 8.9 earthquake, tsunami hitting pacific!

[Rand{CLR}]

Right now they are backing away from reports of a breach but are still saying the containment vessel at the base is showing signs of having cracked. That's almost as dangerous, because it starts to weaken the bottom of the containment vessel.

Meanwhile, something in Reactor 4 caught fire after the 3rd explosion. Conflicting reports on that one, but we may have to worry about 6-7 reactors instead of 3.

-Rand

[Dead_And_Gone]

2 explosions at Nuclear PP.
cooling failure.

First video of cars fleeing the water, but actually saw one big truck driving towards the flood in the last few seconds

[Skud]

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/16/wo...nted=1&_r=1&hp

I think a momment should be taken to honor the engineers and workers who are trying to get this situation under control. I cannot imagine the conditions they are working under. Their heroism and sacrifice historically may have equals, but I believe cannot be surpassed. I wish them the best of luck.

[juneau]

Hearing that radiation levels are decreasing. Not sure why they peaked, or now why they're dropping.

[juneau]

1701: Europe's Energy Commissioner Guenther Oettinger says Japan's nuclear disaster is an "apocalypse", adding that Tokyo had almost lost control of events at the Fukushima power plant, AFP report.

What a freaking moron. "Quick, install wind turbines everywhere! ZOMG!"

[Rand{CLR}]

Hearing that radiation levels are decreasing. Not sure why they peaked, or now why they're dropping.

They're peaking periodically due to 2 main causes:

1) Explosion/fire
2) Venting of steam (pressure)

They will have to keep venting steam as long as they're able to avoid future explosions. Each time they vent, the radioactivity will increase.

The problem at the moment though is CNN is reporting the skeleton crew left in place to get the situation under control had to pull back due to the overall radiation levels on site, which were beginning to overwhelm the shielding on the control room. My guess is this will continue to get worse for a couple of days at least.

-Rand

[Dead_And_Gone]

Heard today that fukushima has had inspections falsified, that someone tried to report a crack in containment walls and got fired for it. Who'd a thunk it, massive coverups on a high dollar project.

Video - Breaking News Videos from CNN.com

[Trooper110]

ABC News - Japan Earthquake: before and after

Incredible views of before and after the quake/tsunami. I can't imagine what those people are going through.

[juneau]

ABC News - Japan Earthquake: before and after

Incredible views of before and after the quake/tsunami. I can't imagine what those people are going through.

[GeneralSnake]

positive thoughts and wishes to our japanese brothers and sisters. we are all in this world together, especially when it comes to nuclear business.

speaking of which, anyone know if they are having flights out still? A friend of mine is there, the earthquake didnt mess up the area he was in too much, but this radiation...

[juneau]

Here's a little lighter news for the thread.



Japanese efficiency is mind boggling! It would probably take about 500 years for that to be fixed in England.

# Britain advised its nationals currently in Tokyo and to the north of the capital to consider leaving the area
# Australia advised its citizens to consider leaving Tokyo and the most damaged prefectures
# France urged its nationals in Tokyo to leave the country or move south; two Air France planes were sent to begin evacuation

Ah France....

[Skud]

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/19/wo...nted=1&_r=1&hp

Level of severity raised at power plant.

[juneau]

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/19/wo...nted=1&_r=1&hp

Level of severity raised at power plant.

However radiation levels dropping. Bad news and good news i guess.

[juneau]

Hearing that the power cable they've been laying for a couple of days to Fukushima is connected and testing has come back positive.

[GeneralSnake]

I heard the government was encouraging seniors to volunteer. Honor, anyone?