By Susan Brinkmann, OCDS
Staff Journalist
The nuclear crisis in Japan has become critical as a third explosion sends plumes of radioactivity into the air and government officials are telling people to remain inside and make their homes as airtight as possible.
According to the Associated Press (AP), officials are now saying that a blast at Unit 2 of the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear power plant this morning has sent enough radiation into the air to “impact human health” with the risk of more leaks “very high.”
In the hours following the blast and resulting fire, radiation levels were reportedly nine times higher than normal as far away as Kanagawa, which is near the capital of Tokyo.
In a nationally televised statement, Prime Minister Naoto Kan confirmed that radiation has spread from the area surrounding the plant and urged anyone within 19 miles to stay indoors in order to avoid getting radiation sickness.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Yukio Edano said a fourth reactor at the complex was on fire and more radiation had been released.
“Now we are talking about levels that can damage human health. These are readings taken near the area where we believe the releases are happening. Far away, the levels should be lower,” he said.
“Please do not go outside. Please stay indoors. Please close windows and make your homes airtight. Don’t turn on ventilators. Please hang your laundry indoors,” he said. “These are figures that potentially affect health, there is no mistake about that.”
The government has ordered all 47 prefectures (provinces) to report the results of their environmental radiation observations every day, twice a day if possible.
“It’s like a horror movie,” said 49-year-old Kyoko Nambu to the AP as she stood on a hillside overlooking her ruined hometown of Soma, about 25 miles (40 kilometers) from the plant. “Our house is gone and now they are telling us to stay indoors.
“We can see the damage to our houses, but radiation? … We have no idea what is happening. I am so scared.”
The accident now ranks second to the complete meltdown that occurred in 1986 at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant in the Soviet Union, and is considered worse than the 1979 incident at the Three Mile Island plant in Pennsylvania, which remains sealed off to this day.
Bishop Marcellino Taiji Tani of Saitama told Zenit News that he and his small flock of Catholics are praying for the situation at Fukushima.
“Of particular concern to us is the situation of the nuclear power plant in Fukushima,” he said. “But we must take courage, with the help of the Holy Spirit.”
The prelate reported that on Sunday, the faithful throughout the country dedicated time at Mass to remember the victims, the wounded and the displaced after a 9.0 earthquake and tsunami struck the area on Friday.
“As a Christian community, we are ready with prayer and solidarity,” he added.
Bishop Tani continued: “This sad event reminds us that life is in the hands of God and that life is a gift from God. It will be a challenge for all of us to practice and witness to the commandment of love and brotherly love, in this time of Lent.”
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