Hydrogen buildup may cause blast at No.3 reactor in Fukushima

NHK world web describes Hydrogen buildup may cause blast at No.3 reactor in Fukushima Further Chief Cabinet Secretary Yukio Edano says that a hydrogen explosion may occur at the No.3 reactor building of No.1 power plant in Fukushima prefecture. But he emphasized that an explosion should not cause health problems for evacuated residents.He said at a news conference on Sunday afternoon that a large amount of hydrogen may have accumulated in the top portion of the No.3 reactor building because cooling of the reactor was insufficient at one point. Edano said a valve was opened to ease pressure in the reactor and fresh water was injected to cool it down. He said because of trouble with the pump, seawater was pumped in instead, but the flow became unstable, causing the water level to drop dramatically.He said although the water began to rise again, a large amount of hydrogen may have been generated inside the reactor building while cooling was insufficient.Edano said that a similar explosion as the one which occurred at the No.1 reactor building on Saturday may take place.He emphasized that even if an explosion occurs, the impact should not affect the pressure vessel and containment vessel.He said that the health of residents who have already evacuated should not be affected.Japan's Prime Minister Naoto Kan has doubled the size of the Self-Defense Forces relief mission to 100,000 personnel.Kan was speaking at an emergency disaster task force meeting on Sunday morning.He said saving lives is the utmost priority since there are many people awaiting rescue in isolated areas 2 days after the earthquake. He said that the distribution of relief supplies to evacuees needs to be enhanced.Kan also said the national government should provide support directly in some areas where local municipalities are no longer functioning. Evacuation advised for 80,0000 near nuclear plants Fukushima prefectural government says on Sunday 70,000 to 80,000 people living near the Fukushima No.1 and No.2 Nuclear Plants are subject to an evacuation advisory.They live in 10 cities and towns near the nuclear plants including Minamisouma-city, Tamura-city, and 8 towns.About 62,000 people are confirmed to have already evacuated.The prefectural authorities plan to help evacuate those remaining in the area. Sunday, March 13, 2011 17:07 +0900 (JST)