Japan says nuclear plant situation not getting worse
The situation at the earthquake-stricken nuclear power plant in northern Japan is not getting worse but vigilance is needed, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yukio Edano said on Saturday. The operator of the Fukushima plant north of Tokyo has been trying since March 11's devastating earthquake and tsunami to prevent a catastrophic meltdown.
More than 700 engineers have been working in shifts to stabilise the facility and work has been advancing to restart water pumps to cool their fuel rods. Two of the six reactors are now seen as safe but the other four are volatile, occasionally emitting steam and smoke. However, the nuclear safety agency said on Saturday that temperature and pressure in all reactors had stabilised. (Reuters)
