Reading Metro yesterday morning, I was struck by the harrowing messages posted by the Fukushima 50's families, as their loved ones battle to stabilised the stricken Japanese nuclear reactors.
The Fukushima nuclear plant suffered badly in last week's mammoth magnitude 9 earthquake, which was centred off the east coast of TÅhoku. As if the quake, the largest in Japanese history, wasn't damaging enough a 10 metre high tsunami swept coastal regions, obliterating everything in its path.
In an ironic twist of fate the Fukushima plant lost power, meaning water pumps cooling the superheated fuel rods ground to a standstill. Spiralling temperatures combined with the catalytic action of zirconium reactor casings caused the break down of water into an explosive mixture of hydrogen and oxygen. The gases reacted producing a powerful shockwave, further damaging the already fragile reactor casing.
Since the tsunami struck the nuclear plant workers, nicknamed the Fukushima 50, have battled tirelessly to prevent the catastrophic consequences of the fuel rods melting down. Having lost their homes, families and belongings the way they selflessly expose themselves to lethal doses of radiation is truly astounding.
The daughter of one of the Fukushima 50 Tweeted: "My dad went to the nuclear plant. I have never heard my mother cry so hard. Please dad come back alive."
Another said: "My father is still working at the plant. He says he's accepted his fate... much like a death sentence."
The desperate attempt to cool the Fukushima reactors continues.
Pray for the brave Fukushima 50.
The Fukushima nuclear plant suffered badly in last week's mammoth magnitude 9 earthquake, which was centred off the east coast of TÅhoku. As if the quake, the largest in Japanese history, wasn't damaging enough a 10 metre high tsunami swept coastal regions, obliterating everything in its path.
In an ironic twist of fate the Fukushima plant lost power, meaning water pumps cooling the superheated fuel rods ground to a standstill. Spiralling temperatures combined with the catalytic action of zirconium reactor casings caused the break down of water into an explosive mixture of hydrogen and oxygen. The gases reacted producing a powerful shockwave, further damaging the already fragile reactor casing.
Since the tsunami struck the nuclear plant workers, nicknamed the Fukushima 50, have battled tirelessly to prevent the catastrophic consequences of the fuel rods melting down. Having lost their homes, families and belongings the way they selflessly expose themselves to lethal doses of radiation is truly astounding.
The daughter of one of the Fukushima 50 Tweeted: "My dad went to the nuclear plant. I have never heard my mother cry so hard. Please dad come back alive."
Another said: "My father is still working at the plant. He says he's accepted his fate... much like a death sentence."
The desperate attempt to cool the Fukushima reactors continues.
Pray for the brave Fukushima 50.
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