Fukushima's nuclear plant workers walking into certain death by radiation
Last Updated: 6:18 PM, March 17, 2011
Posted: 2:43 AM, March 17, 2011
Comments: 16Dead men walking.
They're known as the "Fukushima 50," and they're Japan's only hope of avoiding a Chernobyl-like catastrophe.
The men, unidentified technicians and emergency workers, are desperately battling to save potentially millions of their countrymen -- knowing that even if they succeed, they'll likely die from lethal doses of radiation.
Chernobyl workers who stayed at their stations when the Ukrainian reactor exploded in 1986 died within three months of exposure.
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"Retreat is unthinkable."
Japanese Prime Minister Naoto Kan virtually ordered the crews on the suicide mission.
"You are the only ones who can resolve a crisis," he said. "Retreat is unthinkable."
The modern-day Samurai -- who have attained mythic status among their countrymen -- are "not afraid to die," a source close to them told CBS.
The selfless workers total about 180. But no human can stay inside the devastated Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant for more than 15 minutes at a time, so they cycle in and out in teams of 50.
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They're using manual pumps to force seawater onto the overheated reactors, because the plant's electrically powered cooling system collapsed after last Friday's earthquake and tsunami. Dressed in hazmat suits and working with flashlights, they're also desperately unclogging vents and repairing pipes.
Unless the nuclear fuel is immersed in water, it overheats, leading to a calamitous meltdown that releases lethal radiation into the air.
The workers, including cops, firefighters and soldiers, face their greatest test at Reactor No. 4, where the cooling pools are believed to have run completely dry.
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US Nuclear Regulatory Commission Chairman Gregory Jaczko, speaking in Washington, said it appears "there has been a hydrogen explosion in this unit due to an uncovering of fuel in the spent-fuel pool."
More ominously, he added, "We believe the secondary containment has been destroyed" -- which strongly suggests that radiation is spewing into the air.
Inside the plant, it may already be too late. "We believe that radiation levels are extremely high, which could possibly impact the ability to take corrective measures," Jaczko said.
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NYPOST Comments (14)
DOUBLE_CHINNED_PUPPETEER
03/17/2011 10:37 PM
Let us all pray for the Fukushima 50, Japan's liquidators and heroes!
PalinCoulter2012
03/17/2011 12:18 PM
It beats death by RooRoo anytime.
comments_drivesup_webtraffic
03/17/2011 10:51 AM
Not to diminish what these workers are doing, because not many would sacrifice themselves that way.
Japan is famous for *robot* technology. Honda parades that funny moving thing all the time. MAYBE they could have used a couple of these *remotely controlled* things to combat these problems. I am NOT suggesting something artificially intelligent, just something that could be remotely manipulated while not worrying about the radiation. SAYONARA.
karrun
03/17/2011 10:25 AM
@DMZ, "The 21 century version of Hari Kari.
I could just envision the John Belusi SNL skit,
'Samari Nuclear Man"
Not funny. These guys are sacrificing their lives to save others. Not exactly the same thing at all. Would you do the same? I really doubt it.
26howes
03/17/2011 8:58 AM
give Emperor Akihito a bucket and a hose and send him in he's what 80? He's had a nice life I'm sure.Time to pay it forward Emp...
DMZ
03/17/2011 8:51 AM
The 21 century version of Hari Kari.
I could just envision the John Belusi SNL skit,
'Samari Nuclear Man'
Tarzan
03/17/2011 8:35 AM
I saw a news clip that showed people in Japan waiting quietly in long lines for food and water . There was no pushing or fighting .
They were all helping each other. And no looting !
If there was an earthquake in New York it would be every man for himself .
nyker
03/17/2011 8:24 AM
heyjakaz, one thing has nothing to do with another. these men are true Heroes.
and its about time someone questioned 1/2 pay after 20 years. no private company could survive giving out that type of pension.