Click the Title to this Reuters Article , a really beautiful article about Monks and planting of Sunflowers in the Fukushima Zone...
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"Sparks from burning strips of paper swirled into the hot summer sky, carrying the names of the dead above a temple in Fukushima where thousands of sunflowers have been planted to help fight the omnipresent radiation.The Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant some 50 km away suffered a series of core meltdowns and explosions after the massive March 11 earthquake and tsunami knocked out cooling systems, setting off the world's worst nuclear accident in 25 years and forcing tens of thousands from their homes.
"It is as if an invisible snow had fallen on Fukushima and continued to fall, covering the area," said Koyu Abe, chief monk at the Buddhist Joenji temple.
"This snow, which doesn't melt, brought a long, long winter to Fukushima."
Some 80,000 people were forced to evacuate from a vast swathe of land around the reactor as engineers battled radiation leaks, hydrogen explosions and overheating fuel rods -- and have no idea when, if ever, they can return to homes that have been in their families for generations."
Birds returning to the Tsunami ravaged Coast......Looking for their fishing spots and food, but if these birds start to vanish off the Coastlines we can expect to see the Radiation Zones to expand.... ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ People are still being screened for radiation in different regions within 50 KM of the Fukushima Nuclear Plant Disaster ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ From Newsweek: Photos Japan: Inside the Exclusion Zone. Note the vegetation and also the stillness, no animals or birds to be seen. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ April 5/6 Most of the focus of these posts will continue to be the unfolding nuclear disaster,but also will focus on the rebuilding and recovery efforts being made after the Quake and the Tsunami. The two situations do effect each other as evacuation zones shift effecting shelter, food, farming and fishing. ********************************************** New Focuses and Problems as Week 3 starts, include clogging the Sea Water leak at base/foundation of Pit near Unit #2 which was resolved late Tuesday Night. Now the focus of concern is Unit #1 with a renewed leak of Explosion due to Hydrogen Buildup and an Injection of Nitrogen has been approved to prevent the explosion. ( Unit #1 has already had one critical event, an explosion on March 12th).**Updates will be posted on this issue later today.**
A man talks to a dog at a Shelter, many of the displaced have been allowed to move with their pets to Shelters. Estimates are that 250,000-450,000 are still displaced and living in shelters as of Week 3. Many have moved in with relatives on other parts of the Islands, and the government has started building shelters and housing. Unfortunately the Fukushima Evac Zones are expanding and are now up to 18 Miles from plant is being voluntarily evacuated, with most focus on families with young children or pregnant women. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Photos from Japan Week 3 ( more posted on Twitter @watergatesummer and on Facebook-whole albums ( This Newsweek: " Inside the Exclusion Zone" album is haunting. Watch for more areas within 50 KM from Fukushima to be evacuated ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Along the Tsunami ridden Coast debris has been cleared to make paths and leave markers..... ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ From the DailyYomiuri A Chiba Prefecture resident has painted an inspirational message for the nation that reads "Fight on, Japan." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ From the DailyYomiuri : A Miyagi man stands by the foundation of his destroyed home and a red flag he planted to tell workers "demolition ok". Even though it appears that the Tsunami did most of the demolition. Home owners in tsunami-hit areas put up green flags to say "do not touch", yellow for "only clean up wreckage" and red for "demolition ok". ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Children have returned to school this week, some of the schools are still serving as shelters to thousands of displaced due to the Tsunami and the Quake. In Schools along the NE Coast, especially the fishing villages, many students and families were lost, so the some school populations have been cut 50-80%. Sadly the quake and tsunami happened as many parents were going to pick up children from school. ************************************************** Bodies recovered from Tsunami zone neatly covered and set in orderly rows await burial ( in a School in Miyagi ). ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ People make their way through a Debris field attempting to locate belongings or locate possessions ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Fishing Industry of NE Coast of Japan has been ravaged as boats were tossed like toys up onto the Coast. Researchers reveal tsunami's greatest height was 37.9 metres in Miyako, Iwate Prefecture ||that's 124 feet...?height of 9/10 story building? ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ A reporter traveling in Miyako found a Tsunami Evacuation map in the debris.... ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Condition of Fukushima Reactors #3 and #4 after Fires and Explosions ( by the 16th there had been atleast 4explosions in 4 days and episodes of Overheating, Smoke, Fires, and Steam Releases and some episodes called "Hydrogen Releases". ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ACTUAL GRAPH SHOWING EXPLOSIONS, Blasts and Fires ( Guardian) Note The Number of them and remember that the Reactors are only 200 feet apart. So Violent explosions could effect the other reactors. Do See that Reactor #4 experienced explosion March 15th, but may have been experiencing heat from explosions of #3 on the 14th. ( Do See Videos Below as they detail more of the events and damages). ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Day 22 4.2.11 at 11 PM EST :: It was released via numerous media that Two Bodies had been found dead at Reactor Number #4 in the Turbine Building. Media Per Tepco reported that these two young men died in the Tsunami that followed the Quake. They were 21 and 24 years old. Immediately within first few hours all media picked up this story and released it as is. Yet there are are some questions that need to be asked. The Weekend of 3.12-3.14 The Public was told by Tepco to the Media that ALL workers had been accounted for within the plant. Then the First Explosion happened the weekend of the 12th, still the reports came that all workers were accounted for. Then came the Explosions of the 14th, and still no reports of missing workers.
On March 15th there was an explosion at Number #4 and workers were finally pulled from the scene, and it was reported that 17 were wounded , injured and that Two were Missing. And the Status of those two Missing Workers has never been reported or revealed. ( It was reported by Numerous Papers, including The Guardian, NYT and Reuters. I have included the Links Below. The Missing Two Workers were even admitted to be possibly, or last know to be in Turbine Building of #4. It is Important that this be properly clarified as if these two Brave Workers did indeed Survive the Quake and the Tsunami to Lose their lives Fighting a Nuclear Situation, they need to be Honored and Remembered for the Heroic Efforts of what they were trying to do.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ (Question raised in videos:: More on the Spent Fuel Fires in #4 ( confusing if this is before explosion March14 or 15 ? says fire was ignited by hydrogen ?))
(2) RT/NHK video explaing Explosions and Fires at #4
*************************************************** &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&& OTHER UPDATES On Radiation Leaking into Sea Water and what is being attempted to stop the Radiation Leak::::
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Reactors #3 Drone photo March 24th in photo above. As you see these photos it raises many questions regarding the condition of the Fuel Ponds as well as the Core ( especially of #3 ). And these past few weeks when Tepco have been pouring water ( Sea Water) did this add to the hydrogen problems ? or the Explosions ? Did it strip the Zirconium Rods ?Looking at these photos are the actual Cooling ponds intact or even able to hold water ? Where is the water going that has been poured on the structures ? And the Steam and the Smoke that has been emitted does it have radiation ? Are any of the meters and gauges in the plant even working ? Was this the push to get the power back on , to get readings ? The push to spray water for cooling raises questions about the Water where is it supposed to go if there are no holding pens, drains or working pipes ? Looking at these photos we can understand why things like "Resin Tarps" or "Cement" are being examined. There are many more questions than answers as of Day 20. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Reactor #3 and #4 Drone Photo March 24th ( after multiple explosions, Steam events, heat, smoke? ) #3 had/has MOX fuel in actual reactor and also #4 has/had large amounts of spent fuel being stored on upper level ponds near the roof. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ High Resolution Photos of the Reactors at Fukushima, were taken by Drone ( aerial photos really do show damage). (HatTip to @WaronErrorKos found these and they really illuminate the situation ). And these documents show what the aerials SHOULD look like, the aerial photos now mostly look like piles of shredded wheat- not real structures, where the cooling ponds are and where the condition of the containment vessels is questionable. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Video posted to Internet April 1st is Flyover Video ( Drone?) taken March24th, and has not been shown on Media that I am aware. 6 Minutes long, but first two minutes clearly show damage to Reactors 3 and 4 and also steam rising ,it shows the extensive damage. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Via AP : Updates from March 25th where Core Reactor Breach and Increased Radiation Levels are discussed
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ People seeing those photos might wonder if Cement is being considered. ( Anyone who remembers Chernobyl is silently asking that question).
These Charts, Graphs are an attempt to date the Explosions, Hydrogen Releases, Steam and Smoke in Photos and Videos, very difficult as TEPCO has lacked transparency. ( Will also add JAIF, NISA and IAEA links to try to put together better timelines). *****************************************************
As week 3 of the Japan Disaster unfolds, there are over 500,000 still in shelters, this includes the radiation evacuees. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Japanese have much to cope with still...extensive losses of homes and life due to the Tusnami and the quake especially along the coast, and the growing nuclear disaster... ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ENIGMA NOTE::: For the most part I have been posting information, research on FB and on Twitter during the past 18 days. I will be honest, the situation has been very fluid, and for the first time blogging or tracking any Disaster, I have been overwhelmed, just trying to keep up on reading and sharing resources.In many years of tracking and blogging disasters, it is one thing to try to document and share information on a Humanitarian disaster, but this is my first time covering a Nuclear disaster, so please know I am trying to locate timely accurate information. So most of the detailed data has been consistently posted on Twitter. I am grateful that I have studied radioactive waste and fallout for 10 years, but saddened to now blog on it... My Handle there on Twitter is @watergatesummer, so I encourage you follow me there. For now I will try to post Once/Day updates here. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Photo above is back view of Smoking Steaming Fukushima Reactors. As this crisis has deepened, it is apparent that 4 of the 6 Reactors are in Continuing Critical Condition, with rising concerns about the Core Safety as well as Spent Fuel Rods exposure. Timely accurate data has been difficult to obtain due to transparency issues , especially with TEPCO. It is day 19 and 17 US States have reported some fallout data from this disaster, and many are concerned for our country and Japan. America has sent teams to Japan and our Navy has been trying to help them as well. As of today Japan's government is seeking outside expertise and help as this situation has reached dire proportions. Even in Japan people there have been worried their own government was not telling them enough. ( The government has been coping with 500,000 in shelters and much damage due to the 9,0 Quake and the Tsunami as well as rescue and recovery missions,but the nuclear disaster has unfolded with transparency issues for those there as well as here). At this point there are questions as to the true conditions at the plant, especially regarding the Mistreatment of the Workers that has come to light in past 24 hours and concerning soil and sea water samples. As well as continuing questions regarding the actual damage, including Core Damage, and condition of all the Fuel Rods especially in Reactors 1 through 4. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ From abc,net -down under media source, please do read the latest as of 3.30.11. See Snippet Below: "As Japan works to contain the world's worst nuclear disaster since Chernobyl in 1986, the level of radioactive iodine in the sea off the stricken nuclear plant has reached its highest reading yet - more than 3,300 times the legal limit.The Japan government is now considering plans to drape shattered nuclear reactor buildings with special covers to limit radiation and pump contaminated water into a tanker.
The embattled nation is also inviting foreign experts to help stabilise the overheating Fukushima station.The United States has lent Japan robots that can crawl through, film and clear rubble in the blast-hit reactor buildings which humans cannot enter because of high radiation.And France, which relies on nuclear power for three-quarters of its domestic energy needs, was sending an expert team from Areva, its state-run reactor maker, to assist TEPCO.An official with Japan's nuclear safety agency said it was time to think outside the box.
1st person Tsunami video....stunning ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Amazing footage of buildings in Shinjuku swaying in Tokyo. This technology saved many lives. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 8.9 Quake at 2:46PM Friday Afternoon Japan time. ( as of this afternoon now some Cal tech scientists are saying quake is 9.1 ?) Huge quake, 81 miles from coastline, 15 miles deep.Many aftershocks, many over 5.5 to 7.4. ( Now Nagano near NW Coast-on seperate faultline has 6.6 quake). Will update this later.....Do give to International Red Cross, there will be much need. ( Japanese Leaders already recognize and have asked for International Aid).There has been much that has happened in the first 36 hours, Japan is struggling to cope with the Quake Damage, hundreds of aftershocks ( 5.4-7.4 shocks,which are really large in size). In light of all of Japan's well designed improved infrastructure and prepared population, this disaster could have been much worse than it already is.There are whole towns and small islands that are still unaccounted for at this moment. Japan had sea walls and tide walls set up along the Coast to help mitigate the Tsunami effects, it shows that taking precautions may not prevent disaster,but might in the long run save some structures and some lives.
When a Nuclear Disaster compounds a Natural Disaster : Fukushima
Sadly Japan is a country that does rely heavily on nuclear power, 55 plants in the entire country. six in the hardest hit NE regions. Fukushima is the main nuke plant that was hardest hit by Quake and Tsunami, 5 reactors are of concern because they are overheating. Steam was vented. ( For many years scientists and energy experts have debated whether Nuclear Power Plants should be built on or near Faultlines and Coastlines due to risks of Quakes and Tsunami's. We are now watching a disaster unfold that is teaching us lessons regarding this situation ). 26 hours after the Quake/tsunami the first reactor exploded after it had overheated for hours, and even after steam had been vented. The issue is that if the coolant pipes were damaged and the coolant generators were damaged, then there was no circulating coolant. (Hillary Clinton had stated that America was sending coolant, but actually we were sending generators-whether any of that had reached the site is not known. Also whether the Plant still has functioning teams is another.)
The evacuation zone for Fukushima has been increased from 2 miles, to 6 miles, and now as of 35 hours, 12 miles ( Technically they should increase the evac zone to 20 miles, especially if the other 4 reactors are still out of control /and or overheating). Sadly with such tsunami devastation and quake damage, shelter may be limited. ( Evacuation has begun for 83,000 people, but the entire 20 mile radius for Fukushima is 290,000. Also most likely complicated due to lack of means to communicate and inform and the extensive power outages for millions). Iodine distribution has begun, it will be very important that these people are well hydrated and medically followed. Sadly since this large disaster is effecting power and water distribution, this situation is more than worrisome.....
( The bigger question is did the Plant have mechanisms in place to Emergency Shutdown the reactors if the backup generators failed ? I have more questions than answers regarding this nuclear nightmare....Anyone who has studied Chernobyl and 3 Mile know that this part of the disaster is more than critical to monitor at this time.)
Explosion of Reactor1 at Fukushima at 0630 GMT ( or approximately 3:30am EST, TEPCO did say that the ceilin collapsed first-the bigger question is did the floor also collapse, is the core in meltdown ? it was built 40 years ago-was it a double walled containment ?? )
(( CNN has been interviewing Janie Eudy on her husband's status in the Plant-her husband is one of the workers-not clear if he was injured or is suffering radiation poisoning. 3 are being treated for poisoning according to Japan Media-not confirmed by TEPCO....))
CNN NOW READING UPDATE NOW AT 5:52 PM EST DON LEMON READING THAT MELTDOWN MAY BE UNDERWAY...... ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Tuesday 3.15.11 Update to be added tonight regarding Fires, Explosions and Radiation issues......sadly the situation remains dire, day 5.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Child and family being checked for exposure while being evacuated from Fukushima area. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Enigma note: I ended up via Twitter sharing some basic simple Radiation Research- mostly advice for some Teachers, NGO's and Media in Japan or on route to Japan. I am not a Doctor or an expert on nuclear materials. Due to past research and work I do have a fair amount of information regarding Cesium and Accidental Exposure, as well as Disaster research. I will add to this post as I find more helpful data. I am sharing it as cesium is not a normal substance that Our News media or journalists cover. 3.12.11 2PM. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Advice for Media and NGO's going to Japan
** If possible do have Geiger Pens with you to monitor exposure as well as Medical people that can help you notice any radiation symptoms or effects*** ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ (1)1 Do get baseline History if possible ( Hct, Hgb, and Thyroid studies) Really important for those on thyroid therapy to be in good control. Anyone with open wounds or suffering any immune compromised illness should not go to site. Also if one has liver or kidney issues, or heart issues or is on medications for clotting issues or disorders, they too may not go to site.Heart History is also very important ( baseline) and Potassium history ( as cesium interacts with people on potassium ).
(2) Do not take vitamins that have metals ( boron, copper,iron ) while on site as these absorb cesium. ( If upon return physician want one to on meds or preparations that chelate or absorb cesium that is a different situation ). This includes altering diet as well, no iron rich vitamins. Physicians might want to treat prophylactically with Iodine Tablets, if they do treat, make sure medical history is taken as those with Iodine or Shellfish Allergy can not take Iodine prep. Again critical that Thyroid Function be assessed before trip.
(3) DO hydrate, drink much water before during and after work at site to flush system of any exposure. ( This is a critical issue, and difficult especially as the Disaster zone water will not be available and may be contaminated, so do bring water with you.)
(4) Clothing: Do wear protective clothing and gear. Do not wear absorbant clothing, do wear clothing that will protect you, sturdy boots, Teflon jackets and do wear hat and do wear sunscreen on exposed skin, as that can be protective. Do not wear fiber clothing that absorbs heat or water ( ie cotton or wool will also absorb radiation ). Do also wear solid boots, steel toed or soled if you have them, the thicker the sole the better. Do know that after leaving assignment you might have to have clothes disposed of. ( Do not wear items you are emotionally attached to).
(5) If one suffers wound at the site CRITICAL that medical attention is sought immediately. If possible make sure to flush injury thoroughly with uncontaminated water/fluids. When reaching medical facility do ask if they can or do treat Radiation Contamination Injuries. ( It is important to understand that in an Earthquake zone there is so much debris that injuries are likely). (( For Cesium Absorption injuries may be treated with application of boron, ferrocyanide or chelation with Prussian Blue may be needed). Many medical facilities that treat Oncology patients are also equipped to also treat radiation exposure or illnesses.
(6) Be aware getting accurate timely information regarding exposure may be difficult, as corporate interests do not always guarantee transparency on this issue. ( The existing Power company has spotty safety record regarding being honest with the public.) So be sure to be calm and insistent regarding asking for your symptoms to be treated. Fluids and Hydration are critical, and should be supplied immediately. ( IV Fluids if any nausea ).
(7) Radiation Symptoms include some of the following : Headaches, Weakness, Lightheartedness, Dizziness, Feeling Hot and Flushed ( yet skin maybe warm,sticky,even clammy and pale).Also palpitations, and chest pain. Nausea and vomiting. If there is any Bruising or skin tears. Also if there is any bleeding from nose, gums or mouth , there must be immediate medical attention sought. Actually if any of these symptoms occur or happen together or alone Medical Attention must be sought. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
