| The Fukushima I Nuclear Power Plant, often referred to as Fukushima Dai-ichi, is a nuclear power plant located in the town of Okuma in the Futaba District of Fukushima Prefecture. With six separate units located on site with a combined power of 4.7 GW, Fukushima I is one of the 25 largest nuclear power stations in the world. At 1630 JST (0730 GMT) on March 12, there was an explosion at the plant. At 1700 JST (0800 GMT), Fox News Channel reported the explosion and a plume of "white smoke" rising above the plant. At 1703 JST (0803 GMT) BBC News reported that Japan's NHK TV reported the explosion as "near" the plant, and that four workers were injured. Reuters is also reporting that NHK claims the explosion blew the entire outer structure off of the containment building of Unit 1. The video on BBC News shows both a close-up and distance view of the explosion. The Guardian is reporting that NHK is advising residents of the Fukushima area "to stay inside, close doors and windows and turn off air conditioning. They have also been advised to cover their mouths with masks, towels or handkerchiefs" as well as not to drink tap water. Other news agencies have reported information on a definite explosion at the plant. At 1843 JST (0943 GMT) officials have confirmed that an explosion has occurred at the nuclear plant. An increase in radiation levels has been confirmed following the explosion. "Fukushima Prefecture says a radiation level of 1015 mircrosieverts [sic] per hour has been ... |
