Japan faced the likelihood of a catastrophic nuclear accident Tuesday morning, as an explosion at the most crippled of three reactors at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station damaged its crucial steel containment structure, emergency workers were withdrawn from the plant, and much larger emissions of radioactive materials appeared immiment [sic], according to official statements and industry executives informed about the developments....The sharp deterioration came after government officials said the containment structure of the No. 2 reactor, the most seriously damaged of three reactors at the Daichi plant, had suffered damage during an explosion shortly after 6 a.m. on Tuesday.They initially suggested that the damage was limited and that emergency operations aimed at cooling the nuclear fuel at three stricken reactors with seawater would continue. But industry executives said that in fact the situation had spiraled out of control and that all plant workers needed to leave the plant to avoid excessive exposure to radioactive leaks.
If all workers do in fact leave the plant, the nuclear fuel in all three reactors is likely to melt down, which would lead to wholesale releases of radioactive material — by far the largest accident of its kind since the Chernobyl disaster 25 years ago.
Monday, March 14, 2011
How Do You Say "Oh Sh!t" in Japanese?
(Via the NYT)
Labels:
Oh the humanity,
Tech
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wow. Eerie parallels to those Ukrainian firefighters who extinguished the Chernobyl fires and those volunteers who donned diving suits and dove in to radioactive pools to open drains. shudder...
Too right.
The parallel I keep seeing is with the BP gulf disaster.
Japanese Official, Day 1: Do not be alarmed. We have the situation under control. Evacuation is proceeding as a precaution.
Japanese Official, Morning of Day 2: Weather sunny. Also, we have released radioactive steam into the atmosphere. The situation is under control.
*Cue footage of exploding reactor*
Japanese Official, Afternoon Day 2: Ah, you saw that explosion, did you? Well, nothing to worry about. Just some hydrogen going off. The situation is under control.
Also, if you live within 12 miles of Fukushima, you should leave.
*Cue footage of 2nd exploding reactor*
Japanese Official, Morning of Day 4: This explosion was a lot like the other one. We're good. Also, we're pouring seawater into the reactors to cool them off.
Japanese reporter: Doesn't that mean these reactors can never be used again? Things must be pretty bad...Will there be more explosions?
Japanese Official: No. Also, shut up.
*Cue another reactor explosion*
Japanese Official, Morning of Day 5 via CCTV: Okay, I'm speaking to you from a bunker deep below the earth. Just a precaution. Despite the third explosion, exposed fuel rods, and subsequent fire - I want everyone to remain calm.
Japanese reporter: Do you actually have any idea what the hell is going on anymore?
Japanese Official: No. Also, shut up.
Other Parallels,
Southern California reactor built to withstand 7.0 quake, check. 25 foot Tsunami wall, check. NOTHING like that could happen here.
Thank God, were safe.
Why do I hear a clock ticking in my head?
Not to be *too* flippant about a horrific disaster, but can a loss of cooling accident still be referred to as a "China Syndrome" in the Pacific Rim? Or is it called a "US Syndrome"?
Never really thought about that, but you figure anyone in China hearing the term "China Syndrome" must think we're kind of nuts.
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