Says Japan's Prime Minister Naoto Kan, as officials suspect another breach in reactor at the nuclear plant

A suspected breach in the core of a reactor at the stricken Fukushima nuclear plant could mean more serious radioactive contamination, Japanese officials revealed yesterday, as the prime minister called the country's ongoing fight to stabilise the plant "very grave and serious." A somber Prime Minister Naoto Kan sounded a pessimistic note at a briefing hours after nuclear safety officials announced what could be a major setback in the urgent mission to stop the plant from leaking radiation, two weeks after a devastating earthquake and tsunami disabled it.


Salvaging the past: People clear the debris and try to collect their
belongings after the quake destroyed their homes and businesses.
Pic/AFP

"The situation at the Fukushima Daiichi power plant is still very grave and serious. We must remain vigilant," Kan said. "We are not in a position where we can be optimistic. We must treat every development with the utmost care." The uncertain situation halted work at the nuclear complex, where dozens had been trying feverishly to stop the overheated plant from leaking dangerous radiation. The plant has leaked some low levels of radiation, but a breach could mean a much larger release of contaminants.