Could Nuclear Radiation From A Meltdown Of The Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Reactors In Japan Reach The United States?

The possibility of a full-blown nuclear meltdown of one or more of the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear reactors seems to increase by the hour.  Millions of weary Japanese citizens are desperately hoping that the worst case scenario does not play out.  A major nuclear disaster is the last thing that they need at this point.  So could radiation from a meltdown of one or more of the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear reactors reach the United States?  Unfortunately, the answer is yes.  Right now authorities in Japan are hoping to avert a full-blown meltdown and keep the radiation that is escaping to minimal levels, but at this point it appears that they are fighting a losing battle.  Yesterday, yet another of the reactors exploded.  The explosion at Fukushima Dai-ichi unit 2 was the third major explosion in four days.  Previously there had also been huge explosions at unit 3 and at unit 1.  Japanese authorities are feverishly trying to pump sea water into all of the reactors in the complex in an attempt to cool them down.  At this point authorities in Japan have admitted that the levels of radiation in the areas immediately surrounding the reactors “can impact human health”, and Japanese Prime Minister Naoto Kan is saying that the risk that further radioactive material will be released is “very high”.  Chief Cabinet Secretary Yukio Edano has told the media that fuel rods in three of the reactors appear to be melting and that he cannot rule out the possibility of a full-blown meltdown in all three of the problem reactors.  Right now, the Japanese government is advising all people living within a 30 kilometer radius of the reactors to stay indoors. (Read More...)

Was The Magnitude 8.9 Earthquake In Japan A Sign That The Ring Of Fire Is Coming To Life?

Please pray for Japan.  The footage of the devastation caused by the magnitude 8.9 earthquake in Japan is absolutely heartbreaking.  It was the worst earthquake in the history of Japan, and it was one of the five largest earthquakes that has ever been recorded.  The magnitude 8.9 earthquake unleashed a tsunami that was absolutely unprecedented in that part of the world.  30 foot walls of water swept as much as 6 miles inland.  Cars and homes were pushed along by the rushing water as if they were toys for children.  Since the initial quake, there has been over 100 aftershocks of magnitude 5.0 or greater.  Hundreds of dead bodies have been discovered so far, and according to one report, 88,000 people are currently missing.  There is no telling how high the death toll will eventually be.  Large areas of land are now completely under water and 4.4 million households in northeastern Japan do not have electricity.  So will we see more earthquakes like this?  Are there other signs that the “Ring of Fire” is coming to life? (Read More...)