The reactors in the Fukushima No 1 nuclear power plant are giving concern. There was an explosion earlier in the day at the no 3 reactor, but the situation seems to be under control now. Currently, the no 2 reactor is causing the most concern. The fuel rods in the no 2 reactor were completely exposed for some time, a serious situation that has not happened in no 1 or no 3 reactor. Sea water has been pumped in, and the water level has recovered. The situation remains extremely serious, and requires constant and close monitoring.
[Note] There are two nuclear power plants in Fukushima: No 1 plant has 6 reactors, of which numbers 1, 2 and 3 were in operation when the earthquake struck; No 2 plant has 4 reactors.
The survivors are spending their fourth night. It’s cold. The supplies of food, water and blankets have been insufficient. Even though the SDF (Self-Defence Force) units are supplying tens of thousands of food parcels, water bottles, and blankets, these are far below the needs of more than a half a million people in the shelters. Rescue operations also continue, but are often hampered by the debris, and aftershocks.
A note on the sources
I have relied on information available at Japanese internet sites, mainly asahi.com and Yomiuri Online, the two largest daily newspapers in the country, and Kahoku Online Network, a regional paper, as well as official sources, such as Japan Meteorological Agency and the National Police Agency.