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Following a major earthquake, a 15-metre tsunami disabled the power supply and cooling of three Fukushima Daiichi reactors, causing a nuclear accident beginning on 11 March 2011.

What were the immediate effects of Fukushima?

What were the immediate consequences for the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plants? The earthquake led to the loss of off-site and on-site electrical power which caused the loss of the cooling function at the three operating reactor units as well as at the spent fuel pools.

What problems did Fukushima cause?

Contamination of foodstuffs and water in Japan As a result of the Fukushima accident , not only was radioactive material released into the atmosphere, but it also entered the water – primarily the water that was fed into the reactors for emergency cooling, but also the groundwater penetrating into the reactor.

Why did Fukushima explode?

The hydrogen explosion in reactor 4 was caused by hydrogen coming out from the spent fuel pool. In that pool, there were (and are) used nuclear fuel rods that released and still release decay heat. As the water level dropped, the used fuel rods were exposed to the air and hydrogen was formed.

Why is the Fukushima disaster important?

The accident prompted widespread evacuations of local populations and distress of the Japanese citizenry, large economic losses, and the eventual shutdown of all nuclear power plants in Japan.

What is the current condition of the Fukushima nuclear plant and the surrounding area?

The reactors of Fukushima Daiichi NPS are being kept in stable condition. The accident cut off the water supply to the reactors. As a result, the fuel generated heat, and hydrogen explosions occurred. Reactors are being kept stable.

What areas were affected by Fukushima?

High concentrations were discovered northwest of the plant and also at 28 kilometers south near the coast, in the cities of Iwaki, Fukushima Prefecture, and Kitaibaraki, Ibaraki Prefecture. Iodine-131 was also found in the same areas, and most likely the tellurium was deposited at the same time as the iodine.

How did Fukushima affect animals?

Research has shown that radiation from the Fukushima disaster contributed to DNA damage in earthworms, barn swallows, mice, and wild boar. Scientists also think radioactive contaminants may be interfering with the reproduction of goshawks, a type of raptor. But in general, animal populations appear to be growing.

How much damage did Fukushima cause?

The earthquake and tsunami damaged or destroyed more than one million buildings leading to a total of 470,000 people needing evacuation.

What is the current situation in Fukushima?

The reactors of Fukushima Daiichi NPS are being kept in stable condition. The accident cut off the water supply to the reactors. As a result, the fuel generated heat, and hydrogen explosions occurred. Reactors are being kept stable.