British Embassy Tokyo statement on Fukushima situation:

[steve2470]

http://ukinjapan.fco.gov.uk/en/news/?view=News&id=566811882

Nuclear situation at Fukushima nuclear plant

16 March 2011

The Government's Chief Scientific Officer Professor John Beddington comments on the developments following the explosion at Fukushima nuclear plant

Following the explosion at Fukushima nuclear plant, the Japanese government has advised all people between 20 and 30kms of the plant to stay inside and keep windows closed. The 20km exclusion zone remains in place. The UK Government advises all British citizens to follow this guidance.

The Chief Scientific Adviser said this morning that the Japanese Government’s advice is entirely proportionate and appropriate to the risk.

He stressed that it is wholly wrong to compare the situation to Chernobyl, which emitted a radioactive cloud 30,000 feet into the air for a long period of time. In the reasonable worst case scenario at Fukushima, a plume would only be emitted to a maximum height of 500m, so any radioactive cloud would land very close to the reactor. He said a 20km exclusion zone and a further 10km zone where residents are advised to stay indoors would be entirely appropriate for minimising health effects from direct radiation exposure.

This is a really long statement and transcript, if anyone wants to read it and evaluate it.

[nebenaube]

1. but, but, but...

Say the winds shift such that the radioactive clouds flow over the erupting volcano and are carried upward with that thermal riser?

[PhillySane]

2. So if the cloud lands near the plant

its okay because it won't effect the rest of us? How about 13 million people in Tokyo? This is madness.

[truebrit71]

3. What do you expect him to say? "They're lying to you RUN FOR YOUR LIVES!!"

..he's going to pretty much toe the line..But it's good to see that his crystal ball is working fine though...