GOVPH

The DOST-PNRI is continuing to monitor the status of the Fukushima-Daiichi nuclear power plants;

According to Japanese authorities as they informed the IAEA, white smoke was seen emanating from Unit 3 around 1:00 UTC, 16 March 2011.

The evacuation is kept at 20km radius zone while sheltering is being implemented at 30km radius from the Fukushima-Daiichi nuclear power plants.

Units 1, 2, and 3 are being maintained shutdown while Unit 4 remains in shutdown state prior to earthquake.

No significant levels of radioisotopes of iodine and cesium have been detected near Tokyo area.

For the latest information on on-site and off-site radiological situations about the Fukushima accident, please access the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) website: www.iaea.org.

No radioactive plume will reach the Philippine territorial seas within the next 24 hours which requires offsite response or monitoring in affected areas.

Daily modelling studies are being conducted by PNRI. Its simulations and those carried out by the World Meteorological Organization-designated Regional Specialized Meteorological Centres for Environmental Emergency Response in Tokyo and Melbourne have shown that at such a distance, there is no risk of the Philippines being affected by the radiological plume. The public is advised therefore not to be unduly alarmed about exposure to radiation arising from the Fukushima accident.

Even on a direct hit scenario, DOST-PNRI declares that even on a worst case scenario, there is no risk of the Philippines and its population being affected by the radiological plume. The public is advised therefore to remain calm.