JAPAN DIGS IN

Disaster-hit Japan faces protracted nuclear crisis
Kiyoshi Takenaka and Yoko Kubota, March 27, 2011 (Reuters)

"Japan appeared resigned on Monday to a long fight to contain the world's worst atomic crisis in 25 years after high radiation levels complicated work at its crippled nuclear plant.

"Engineers have been battling to control the six-reactor Fukushima complex since it was damaged by a March 11 earthquake and tsunami that also left more than 27,000 people dead or missing across Japan's devastated north east."

Radiation levels were mistakenly announced Sunday as ten million times normal and then corrected: They are "only" ONE HUNDRED THOUSAND times normal. (click to enlargge)

"Radiation at the plant has soared in recent days: latest readings at the weekend showed contamination 100,000 times normal in water at reactor No. 2 and 1,850 times normal in the nearby sea."

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"Those were the most alarming levels since the crisis began, experts said…

"Under-pressure plant operator Tokyo Electric Power Co. conceded what experts have long been saying: that Japan now faces a protracted and uncertain operation to contain overheating fuel rods and prevent a meltdown…"