| WNN latest: Japan earthquake round-up | | Print | |
|
WNN have released four stories tracking the developments surounding the recent earthquake in Japan and it's impact on the Kashiwazaki Kariwa nuclear plant. Early reports look at the direct impact of the earthquake The earthquake, centred about 250 km northwest of Tokyo, hit at around 10.13 am (16 July), injuring more than 1000 people while destroying 300 buildings. Many roads were cracked, a temple roof collapsed and 35,000 people lost their water supply. Nine were killed. Discussion then turned quickly to the adverse press coverage being directed at plant owners Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO). Despite the safe shutdown and the absence of serious injury on site, Tepco has faced fierce criticism worldwide. First, media attention was drawn to the transformer fire, then the release of cooling pond water, and finally focused on the disruption in the low-level waste store. By July 20, TEPCO had issued statements on the level of damage caused. The list of earthquake effects shows the strength of the plant in the face of a nearby earthquake of around twice the power of its design basis. The earthquake was still within the ultimate safe shutdown capability of the design, up to which environmental protection should be assured. The final WNN report concerned the potential long-term financial impact to TEPCO. Net income was downwardly revised by some 79% from Y310 billion ($2.6 billion) to Y65 billion ($0.6 billion). http://www.world-nuclear-news.org/ |
| < Prev | Next > |
|---|
