Nuclear plant leak "much worse than initially announced"

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World's largest nuclear plant leaks radioactive water

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uploaded by nukegingrich

UPDATE 7/18/07

An
earthquake-wracked nuclear power plant was ordered closed indefinitely
Wednesday amid growing anger over revelations that damage was much
worse than initially announced and mounting international concern about
Japan's nuclear stewardship.

Toyota and other Japanese automakers, meanwhile, suspended production
at factories across the country because a major parts supplier
sustained damage from Monday's magnitude-6.8 quake, which killed 10
people and left tens of thousands without power or water.

Tokyo Electric Power Co. warned that the nuclear plant shutdown could
lead to power shortages in Japan. It has asked six other power
companies to consider providing emergency electricity to prepare for
rising demand from summer air conditioning, spokesman Hiroshi Itagaki
said.

Update from AP--fresh concerns about the earthquake-resistance of Japanese nuclear facilities, "exposes the Achilles Heel.

Cable news is reporting that the leak is below allowable safety standards at present time.

Developing...

UPDATE: from the Beeb  

A strong earthquake in central Japan has damaged a large nuclear power plant causing a leak of radioactive material, officials at the plant have said.

A small amount of water containing radioactive substances leaked into the sea, officials said, and a fire broke out at the plant in Kashiwazaki. ...

Several hours later a second earthquake of magnitude 6.6 struck in the sea off Kyoto in western Japan.
Tokyo Electric Power Company said the small amount of radioactive material that leaked into the sea posed no environmental risk.
Reactors at the plant automatically shut during the magnitude 6.8 quake.