Update number 9 (as of 20 March 2011) on Japanese nuclear incident

The Philippine Permanent Mission to the United Nations and Other International Organizations in Vienna has reported the following updates regarding the situation at the nuclear facilities in Japan:

The Japanese Ministry of Health and Welfare, which has been monitoring radioactive levels of foodstuffs, has reported to the International Atomic Energy Agency and Food and Agriculture Organization that sampling conducted in Kawamata, which is 46 kilometers from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear facility, has shown the presence of Iodine-131 in milk and in freshly grown leafy vegetables, such as spinach and spring onions, that is significantly above the levels set by Japan for restricting consumption of these food products. These products have effectively been banned from the market.

Japanese authorities are conducting similar tests on other products. In the meantime, Filipinos in Japan are advised to avoid foodstuffs coming from areas near Fukushima Daiichi until further clarification on the issue

Over-all, radiation levels in major Japanese cities have not changed significantly since yesterday, 19 March, and remain below those which are dangerous to human health.

The overall situation at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear facility remains very serious, although there has been some progress in placing Units 5 and 6 in cold shutdown and safe mode, with their cooling systems stable and under control, and with the temperature having fallen significantly to around 40 degrees centigrade (from a maximum of 69 degrees centigrade yesterday). Two diesel generators are providing electricity.

Officials are continuing efforts to restore electrical power to the site and injecting seawater into Units 1, 2 and 3. Off-site electrical power has been connected to the local substation for Unit 2 today. Work is continuing under difficult conditions to connect power from the substation to the reactor building.

White smoke or vapor from Unit 3 is still being observed, but it is less intense than on previous days.

The situation in the reactor spent fuel pools is relatively stable, but is still of concern. Spraying of water into the pool of Unit 4 started yesterday, 19 March.

The IAEA is still seeking data on water levels and temperatures at the spent fuel pools at Units 1, 2, 3 and 4. 

The fuel assemblies in the Common Use Spent Fuel Pool--where spent fuel is stored after cooling at least 18 months in the reactor buildings—are fully covered with water and in stable cool temperature at 57 degrees centigrade.