Headway as Fukushima pumps restart (reactor No. 1)

[jpak]

http://www.smh.com.au/world/headway-as-fukushima-pumps-restart-20110320-1c2b4.html

ENGINEERS have restored power to cooling pumps in two reactors at the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant, the first genuinely hopeful sign in the battle to prevent a meltdown at any of the six reactors.

Although power has so far been restored only at reactor buildings 5 and 6, which were not considered a particular threat, that success suggests workers are finally beginning to make headway in preventing more radiation from escaping.

Japan's military is also spraying water from fire engines to cool the No.4 reactor, the site of two blazes last week, while pressure in No.3 stabilised as the fight to contain the crisis entered its second week.

The improvement at the No.3 reactor could eliminate the need to vent radioactive steam, Tokyo Electric Power Company spokesman Naoyuki Matsumoto said.

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[jaxx]

1. This is good news.

Definite progress.

[jpak]

2. Yup

n/t