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Fukushima, radiation levels on a par with Chernobyl

The Japanese Agency for the safety of nuclear power has increased to seven the level of risk in the Fukushima nuclear power plant, where the technicians are unable to stop release of iodine-131. Traces of radioactivity harmful to humans detected at about 60 km from the plant well beyond the 30 km evacuation zone previously imposed by the government. A new quake with a magnitude of 6.3 shakes the Northeast of the country.

Tokyo (AsiaNews) – Fears are increasing that radioactive leakage at Fukushima is now on a par with that of Chernobyl. Today, the Japanese Agency for Nuclear Safety increased by two points the level of radiation risk from five to seven.

The authorities made the decision after estimating how much iodine-131 will escape from the plant in one year starting March 11.

The Agency for Nuclear Safety said that it found dangerous amounts of radiation up to 59 km north west of the station and 54 km east, well beyond the 30 km evacuation ring previously established by the Japanese government.

Meanwhile, a new quake measuring 6.3 was recorded today in Fukushima Prefecture. Yesterday, another quake of 7.1 was recorded at about 164 km northeast of Tokyo. The quake rocked buildings in the capital and forced the authorities of the Fukushima nuclear power plant to evacuate personnel involved in security operations.