Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary: We do believe that there's a possibility that meltdown has occurred

Source: CNN International

(9:54 p.m. ET, 11:54 a.m. Tokyo) A meltdown may have occurred at at least one nuclear power reactor in Japan, the country's chief cabinet secretary, Yukio Edano, said Sunday.

He also said that authorities are concerned over the possibility of another meltdown at a second reactor.

"We do believe that there is a possibility that meltdown has occurred. It is inside the reactor. We can't see. However, we are assuming that a meltdown has occurred," he said of the No. 1 reactor at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear facility. "And with reactor No. 3, we are also assuming that the possibility of a meltdown as we carry out measures."

Edano's comments confirm an earlier report from an official with Japan's Nuclear and Industrial Safety Agency, who said, "we see the possibility of a meltdown."

Read more: http://news.blogs.cnn.com/2011/03/12/japan-earthquake-live-blog-death-toll-rises-amid-widespread-destruction/

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(Emphasis mine)


List of live blogs from The Guardian, BBC, Al Jazeera English and more, here: http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=439x615852


This is personally very worrisome news, as I live in Indonesia
and my wife is nearly 4 months pregnant.



http://www.nucleartourist.com/world/japan.htm">Japan has 53 nuclear power plants


Seismic Activity Around Japan on March 11 2011 (if anyone has a more recent one, please add)

During the humanitarian disaster that's still unfolding there.

Since of course we could NOT have a meltdown... oh wait...

It cannot be that bad...

Tappy feet...

Take care.

but it's fucking annoying to many of us that you are having such a jolly time.

jeesus!

If the containment vessel remains intact as it has up to this point, it will be an expensive mess but not an environmental disaster.

.

The Weather Underground told me that the wind blows east. The US has to worry. I don't know if it also goes south to you.

Most of the day.

According to this site:

http://www.windfinder.com/forecast/aomori_mutsu_bay



ETA I have to admit not knowing about storms originating from Japan making it down here, or how long radioactive material stays in the air before it contaminates the land. I do know the fallout from Chernobyl reached at least as far as Wales in the UK, though.


Also, just found this...



Check here for updates: http://www.windfinder.com/forecasts/wind_southeast_asia_akt.htm

So maybe it isn't going anywhere.

Keep thinking 'the possibility'. And I love Indonesia, been there more than a few times, but only to Bali. I hope this isn't as bad as it sounds, and hugs to you and your family.

Rightbackatcha!

Next time you come over give us a shout and let's do lunch!

I would love to live there! If you do, how'd you manage it?!

If I ever get the opportunity, I will definitely give you a shout! :hug:

Near the power plant, they must have known.

they have been spinning like tops.

The Agency said meltdown, Edano (and the Ambassador here) kept saying no

The Fukishima reactors are literally right next to the water.

Japan is well known for tsunamis, couldn't they have mitigated that danger simply by moving the reactors inland?

Building them on coasts or rivers gives them a reliable water supply.

eg. Living on the East End of L.I. we were always demanding what emergency plans there were if the Conn reactor, directly across the water from us, were to meltdown. There were no plans, other than 'leave'. A ludicrous piece of advice since there was only one road which even on a weekend is backed up with traffic. In an emergency there would be simply no way out for people on the East End of L.I. and so far, I don't that has changed.

This is total failure of the MSM and Japanese government in being truthful to people about this event.

Nuclear accidents are nothing to play politics and PR with.

It is such a difficult time in the world right now, especially for those in Japan but i just wanted to convey my best wishes to your growing family.

This is our second attempt. We had a tragedy last year, after 2 months, and were heartbroken.

Now we're nervously anticipating and, as time goes on, slowly allowing ourselves to get excited again.

We're off for a scan next week and can't wait.

Thanks again for your kind thoughts and best wishes, I'll pass them on to my wife. :grouphug:

:grouphug:

The ultrasounds have gotten really good and you can even see distinct features. Very exciting time. I am genuinely happy for you!

We are praying for everyone in Japan and those affected by this awful tragedy.

I hope that whatever damage has occurred, it can be contained.

Sending best wishes to you and your wife :hug: