A second blast rocks Japan’s quake-damaged nuclear plant

14/03/11 06:04 CET

world news

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A fresh explosion has rocked Japan’s quake-damaged Fukushima nuclear power complex in the north east of the country.

The blast happened in the plant’s number 3 reactor.

Nine people are said to have been injured.

The explosion appears to have been more violent than the one which happened two days ago in reactor number one. It is not clear if the blast has caused a radiation leak.

Before and after photographs would suggest extensive damage but initial reports say the reactor’s core container remains intact.

Even before the latest blast, thousands of people where being scanned for possible radiation exposure.

More than 190,000 people have been evacuated from a 20 kilometre radius round the plant. They are being put up in temporary shelters

The Japanese authorities are battling to stabilise three nuclear power plants which were damaged after Friday’s massive earthquake and tsunami.

More about: Earthquake, Japan, Nuclear accidents

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