Fukushima-Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant Accident in Japan INFORMATION BULLETIN No. 23 (12 April 2011Update as of 11:00 AM)
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The DOST-PNRI continues to closely monitor the situation at the Fukushima-Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant.
The condition in the plant remains very serious but not worsening despite the recent series of strong aftershocks.
There have been media reports that the International Nuclear and Radiological Event Scale (INES) at the Fukushima-Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant is being raised from Level 5 to Level 7 in consideration of the cumulative radioactivity releases. It is believed that the radioactivity released so far is 10% of that of the Chernobyl accident. However, the DOST-PNRI is waiting for the official advisory from the Japanese authorities and the reason for such action.
The INES scale is a worldwide tool for communicating to the public in a consistent way the safety significance of nuclear and radiological events. Level 5 is an accident with wide consequences, Level 6 is a serious accident, and Level 7 is a major accident.
For reporting of nuclear/radiological emergencies, you may contact the Radiological Impact Assessment Section/Nuclear Response Support Center of the PNRI through (632) 929-6011 to 19 local 285 or 311
