The massive New Year’s earthquake on Japan’s west coast not only killed more than 200 people, but, contrary to previous information, also triggered a tsunami near the nuclear power plant. The waves recorded at the Shika nuclear power plant were at least three meters high, it was said on Wednesday.
As operator Hokuriku Electric has now announced, meters-high waves were measured near the facility shortly after the earthquake on New Year’s Day. There was no damage, but the announcement once again made clear the risks that earthquakes and tsunamis pose to nuclear power plants.
Delayed reporting because the offshore meter was not transmitting data
According to Hokuriku Electric, the delay of one and a half weeks in the report is because the data first had to be obtained from a measuring device on the high seas. After the earthquake it no longer sent measurement data.
The Shika nuclear power plant in the south of the Noto Peninsula is located eleven meters above sea level and is also protected by a four-metre high dike built after the 2011 Fukushima nuclear power plant disaster.
Cooling water leaked, power went out
Damage had already been found at other reactors on the west coast as a result of the earthquake, such as leakage of cooling water or a partial power failure. However, the operators assured that no damage was caused to the reactors themselves or to the environment.
Japan’s main island of Honshu was rocked by a massive 7.5 magnitude earthquake and dozens of aftershocks on New Year’s Day, as well as hit by tsunami waves (see video above). Numerous houses on the Noto Peninsula collapsed or were damaged. Roads became impassable and a major fire destroyed a historic market district in the port city of Wajima.
More than 200 dead, tens of thousands more without running water
According to preliminary information from authorities, at least 203 people have been killed and 68 people are still missing. Nearly 3,500 people are still cut off from the outside world and almost 30,000 people are housed in emergency shelter. In addition, almost 60,000 households still have no running water and more than 15,000 no electricity.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
