- Japanese authorities reported to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) the explosion of two nuclear power plants in Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant on March 11, 2011 following the earthquake, affecting three nuclear reactors (Units 1, 2, and 4).
- The IAEA reported that the explosion at Unit 1 reactor at the Fukushima Daiichi plant occurred outside the primary containment vessel (PCV), not inside. The plant operator, Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO), has confirmed that the integrity of the primary containment vessel remains intact.
- To limit damage to the reactor core, sea water mixed with boric acid was injected into the primary containment vessel. Boric acid absorbs neutrons to prevent reactor criticality. This measure was approved by the Nuclear and Industrial Safety Agency (NISA) of Japan and the injection procedure began at 20:20 local Japan time.
- Japan has reported that four workers at Fukushima Daiichi were injured by the explosion.
- NISA have confirmed the presence of radioactive elements cesium-137 and iodine-131 in the vicinity of Fukushima Daiichi Unit 1. NISA reported an initial increase in levels of radioactivity around the plant earlier today, but these levels have been observed to lessen in recent hours.
- Containment remains intact at Fukushima Daiichi Units 1, 2 and 3. It is recalled that the design of the Fukushima reactor is different from that of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant. In the event of a meltdown at Fukushima, the melted fuel is expected to stay within the stainless steel containment, preventing its release to the environment. The Chernobyl power plant did not have a reactor building concrete shield and steel containment.
- A plume trajectory study from the Fukushima site by the World Meteorological Organization based in Melbourne, Australia showed that the plume from the site of the incident will not pass the Philippine territory as of March 14, 2011.
MONITORING BY THE DEPARTMENT OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY - PHILIPPINE NUCLEAR RESEARCH INSTITUTE (DOST-PNRI)
- The DOST-PNRI routinely undertakes daily radioactivity monitoring in the environment. Based on DOST-PNRI monitoring, there has been no increase in the levels of radioactivity since the time of the Fukushima event.
- The DOST-PNRI’s National Radiological Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan puts in place an organized emergency response facility for a timely, coordinated action of the Philippine authorities in the event of a radiological emergency.
- The DOST-PNRI is closely monitoring developments at Fukushima every six hours and maintains a 24-hour link-up with the IAEA. For more detailed information on the Fukushima event, pls. call DOST-PNRI Director Alumanda dela Rosa at 929-4719 / 920-8738.
