Posted on 03/14/2011 1:45:20 PM PDT by americanophile
Japan has asked the US for help to stop a quake-damaged nuclear reactor plunging into uncontrollable meltdown. The plea comes after a second hydrogen explosion occurred at a nuclear plant where officials warned that three nuclear rods in a cooling-starved reactor appeared to be melting.
Plumes of grey smoke billowed into the air after the blast at the Fukushima Daiichi plant's number 3 unit, injuring 11 people.
Japan's chief cabinet secretary Yukio Edano confirmed the fear of rods melting inside all three of the site's most troubled reactors.
"Although we cannot directly check it, it's highly likely happening," he said.
Officials insist the inner reactor's container remains intact - but concern was raised when number 2 unit's fuel rods were left fully exposed by a falling cooling water level.
Workers managed to raise water levels after a second drop on Monday night, but they began falling for a third time, according to nuclear agency official Naoki Kumagai.
Specialists are now considering spraying water directly on the hermetically-sealed container in an attempt to cool it.
The former deputy director of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) told Sky News that the status of the faulty reactor may deteriorate even more.
"I think the situation is still very, very grim - we are by far not over the worst," Olli Heinonen said.
Harvard-based Mr Heinonen said it is now important for US expertise to be employed to minimise the risk of a catastrophic failure.
"They are the best people to know their (reactors') behaviour, particularly when you go into this phase and assess the consequences."
(Excerpt) Read more at news.sky.com ...
At last report, sea water is being injected into Units 1 and 3, so they have what they need for that.
Because it takes a real damn leader to say, “Mobilize! Send the flotilla, gather the experts, spare no expense! These people have been our friends for the last 40 years, and that’s how you treat a friend.”
Yes, we offered help.
I dont know - would bombing it help?
yup SKY/FAUXNews creating hysteria!
I can’t wait to watch Shepard Smith tonight, she will most certainly be yelling “the sky is falling, the sky is falling”
There's definitely a diverse group of people who post here.
And yes, there many helpful comments by people who do better understand what is actually happening and what it all might mean.
I did not say reporting is not necessary (at least not literally) Geez!
Oh my. I hadn’t even thought that far. You’re right.
WOW! What a pic. Describes 100% this presidency
Let him stay there. I don't want to hear him giving 'advice' to GE like he did to BP.
Once again, they have had those since the 12th March, they have outside power restored as well. The reactors are sub-critical, but because of problems with valves and pumps and stuff that gets damaged when hydrogen is being vented and explodes, it's rather difficult to keep all 4 reactors as cool as they would like while the cores finishes cooling down. I'm sure they have already written off the reactors. I assume the cores will be a slag heap on top of the 14 foot thick concrete containment basin. Then they will remove them and build new and better plants.
http://www.cnn.com/2011/POLITICS/03/11/us.quake.response/index.html
http://www.ibtimes.com/articles/121804/20110311/u-s-aid-help-japan-quake-tsunami.htm
http://www.globalsecurity.org/wmd/library/news/japan/2011/japan-110311-voa01.htm
“Elections have consequences, and this is one of them.”
Obama is the biggest joke ever played on the American people.
The second plant that exploded uses MOX fuel (http://chronicle.augusta.com/news/metro/2011-02-13/few-sign-use-mox-fuel), apparently as disposal method of discarded US plutonium weapons. Do the Japanese use US MOX fuel in this plant??!!
An article on the dangers of MOX fuel...KI (potassium iodide only works on uranium radiation) is posted on this blog:
http://sherriequestioningall.blogspot.com/2011/03/japan-exploded-nuclear-plant-uses-mox.html
This plant would release plutonium in a meltdown. It would be quite ironic if this plant melts down using US fuel.
If Reagan were president, absolutely ANYTHING that Japan might need to deal with this, would already be off their coast and available at a moment’s notice.
Quietly and without political posturing, he would have already convinced Japan’s leaders to allow our people in to help resolve this.
Reagan would have already spoken to the American public to calm them and to inform them. He would have already spoke of a plan, should this become worst case with a potential of reaching our country.
Reagan would have already set into motion plans to mitigate negative effects on U.S. economy, as well as worldwide economies.
Regan, a man with conviction, courage, love of country and duty bound,... would sure as hell NOT be out making political speeches, having parties for the media and golfing.
IMPEACH the white hating and traitorous bastard, born of a Communist hippy slut.
Well, actually, it is pretty much the normal way, it’s just being done with abnormal techniques.
I didn’t think there were ‘degrees’ of hatred. I’m mistaken because when I look at that picture the level of hatred I feel is ratcheted up about 1000%.
Lord, hear our pleas...Lord let us reestablish righteousness in our government. Amen.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.