Fukushima update
Here is an updated status from BBC News:
- Reactor 1: Damage to the core from cooling problems. Building holed by gas explosion. Power lines attached.
- Reactor 2: Damage to the core from cooling problems. Building holed by gas blast; containment damage suspected. Power lines attached.
- Reactor 3: Damage to the core from cooling problems. Building holed by gas blast; containment damage possible. Spent fuel pond partly refilled with water after running low. Power lines attached.
- Reactor 4: Reactor shut down prior to earthquake. Fires and explosion in spent fuel pond; water level partly restored. Power lines attached.
- Reactors 5 & 6: Reactors shut down. Temperature of spent fuel pools now lowered after rising high. Power lines attached.
Note that power lines have been hooked up to each building. In reactors 5 and 6, they are reported to have successfully brought the cooling systems online. The have brought up power and lighting in the control room for reactor 3, and are planning to try to start the cooling pumps tomorrow.
All of this is good news. The fact that they have accomplished this much is an indication that radiation in the immediate area is not increasing, and gives hope that progress will continue at this pace. It may still be weeks or even months before all of the reactors are stabilized, due to the physical damage to systems and structures; but I would go so far as to say that the possibility of a core meltdown is greatly diminished. Good job.