As of 14 March 2011, 8:30 pm
Another explosion occurred at the Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant at 11:01 a.m. today. Japan’s Nuclear and Industrial Safety Agency (NISA) announced that a hydrogen blast took place at the No. 3 reactor of the Fukushima Number One power plant, which was similar to the hydrogen blast that occurred at the No. 1 reactor of the same plant on 12 March 2011.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Yukio Edano said that the latest blast has left the container of the No.3 reactor intact, and that the likelihood of large volumes of radioactive material being dispersed in the air is low. The NISA said that it has so far observed no abnormal rise in radiation around the compound of the power plant.
Japanese authorities advised residents still remaining within the 20 kilometer radius around the plant to evacuate the area as soon as possible. The numbers of the Fukushima Prefectural government hotlines are 024-521-7192 and 024-521-7194. Filipino nationals who cannot contact their local governments may get in touch with the Philippine Embassy at telephone numbers (03)5562-1570, (03)5562-1577 and (03)5562-1590 or email: emergency@philembassy.net so that the Embassy can inform Japanese authorities of their location.
Japanese authorities said people residing outside the 20-kilometer radius can remain and continue with their normal activities. However, Filipino nationals who are concerned about ongoing developments may wish to voluntarily relocate to areas further away.
