[thackney]

I am probably wasting time on semantics, but the fuel assembly is not the reactor. The fuel assemblies, some of which are likely partially melted, are still contained in the reactor. The reactor's are designed to continue to contain them, even if melted into a puddle in the base of the reactor.

There is release of hydrogen from intentional venting of the reactors to relieve pressure. And there is probable damage to the unit #2 pressure control ring, the torus or wet well, which also released hydrogen.

[Lady Heron]

Look, not going to argue with you just repeating what has been reported said by gov. and plant officials. They themselves at differing points during this whole mess have said partial meltdown has probably occurred, yes, contained in the containment vessels but even then they think one of those is cracked.

I am not being mindless here or fear-mongering...but repeating what has been said. Going too far either way...into mindless fear or stupid poohing all is under control is crap either way. You can only deal with what is being said at this point and try and understand it.

And if the panic other gov. officials have shown in the last few days does not get your attention that something very bad is or has been happening then nothing will.