Japan signals first signs of progress in tackling nuclear crisis

PanARMENIAN.Net - Engineers restored electricity to three reactors at a crippled Japanese nuclear power plant and hope to test water pumps at the quake-damaged facility soon, the first clear signs of progress in tackling the world's worst atomic crisis in 25 years.

Japan suffered an estimated $250 billion in damage from the earthquake and tsunami on March 11 that left more than 21,000 people dead or missing, while radiation leaks from the Fukushima nuclear plant have caused global alarm.

U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu, asked by CNN whether the worst of Japan's 10-day nuclear crisis was over, said: "Well, we believe so, but I don't want to make a blanket statement." U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Chairman Gregory Jaczko added that radiation levels at the plant appeared to be falling.

However, the situation was far from under control as of Monday, March 21.

Japan's nuclear safety agency said pressure was rising in the most threatening reactor, No. 3, which contains highly toxic plutonium, and this may have to be released by "venting" steam, a step taken last week that discharged low levels of radiation into the atmosphere.

Other problems have also emerged, especially from contaminated food and water.

The health ministry urged some residents near the plant in Fukushima prefecture to stop drinking tap water after high levels of radioactive iodine were detected, Kyodo news agency said.

Cases of contaminated vegetables and milk have already stoked anxiety despite assurances from officials that the levels are not dangerous. The plant lies 240 km (150 miles) north of Tokyo.

The government prohibited the sale of raw milk from Fukushima prefecture and spinach from another nearby area and might announce more restrictions on food, Reuters reports.