From the New York Times alert:
Japan Faces Prospect of Nuclear Catastrophe as Employees Leave Plant
Japan faced the likelihood of a catastrophic nuclear accident
Tuesday morning, as an explosion at the most crippled of
three reactors at the Fukushima Daichi Nuclear Power Station
damaged its crucial steel containment structure, emergency
workers were withdrawn from the plant, and much larger
emissions of radioactive materials appeared imminent,
according to official statements and industry executives
informed about the developments.Prime Minsiter [sic] Naoto Kan of Japan was preparing to make a
televised address to the nation at 11 a.m. Tokyo time
What is this going to do to Japan? People within 19 miles are being told to leave. So far the explosions have been hydrogren. This is not the same as a nuclear explosion. The third explosion might be more serious.
What will this do to neighboring countries? What will this do to nuclear power in our country? The anti-nuclear people are already protesting.
Most nuclear power plants are on the east coast, where there is greater population. Is that a good thing or a bad thing?
Are populations in danger? Should we continue to build nuclear power plants? How involved is the government in our existing plants? Are there tax credits for nuclear power and are there grants available for private industry to build? Perhaps we need to discuss.
Before and after satellite photos. (must see)
