Japan halts 3 reactors after quake threat
TOKYO, JAPAN - Japan's prime minister said he instructed a utility to halt all three reactors at a power plant in central Japan because of safety concerns in the event of a major earthquake and tsunami.
Prime Minister Naoto Kan said the measure was to ensure safety, citing experts' forecast of a 90 per cent probability of a major quake striking the central region within 30 years.
The government has asked operator Chubu Electric Power Co. to suspend two running reactors and a third shut for a regular inspection at its coastal Hamaoka nuclear plant in Shizuoka, west of Tokyo.
“If an accident occurs at Hamaoka, it could create serious consequences,” Kan said.
Kan said the safety measure was made after the radiation crisis at the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear plant, which was crippled by an earthquake and tsunami March 11 that also left more than 25,000 people dead and missing on the northeast coast.
The Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear plant lost its power and cooling systems, triggering fires, explosions and radiation leaks in the world's second-worst nuclear accident.
Radiation leaks from the Fukushima plant have forced 80,000 people living within a 20-kilometre radius to leave their homes. Many are staying in gymnasiums and community centres.
Residents in Shizuoka have long demanded suspension of the Hamaoka reactors.
Related News
TTC Introduces Battery Electric Buses
TORONTO - The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) has embarked on an exciting new chapter in its commitment to sustainability with the introduction of battery-electric buses to its fleet. This strategic move not only highlights the TTC's dedication to reducing its environmental impact but also positions Toronto as a leader in the evolution of public transportation. As cities worldwide strive for greener solutions, the TTC’s initiative stands as a significant milestone toward a more sustainable urban future.
Embracing Green Technology
The decision to integrate battery-electric buses into Toronto's transit system aligns with a growing trend among urban centers to adopt cleaner,…