Nuclear Power Plant Near Kumamoto Quake Site Stands Fast

Sendai Nuclear Power Plant in Kagoshima, Kyushu, the only NPP currently in operation, shows no sign of damage as of April 18 of the mega quakes just shook the neighboring prefecture, Kumamoto, Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) of Japan revealed April 18 in its ad hoc meeting held in the wake of a series of quakes of high magnitude up in Kumamoto, stating that the data collected up until the meet indicated "the station could continue operation".

The 4 nuclear power plants in the regions of Kyushu, Shikoku and Chugoku, including Sendai Nuclear Power Plant in Kagoshima, recorded quakes up 4 to 3 in magnitude since April 14 and thereafter.

The ad hoc session on April 18 reported that the maximum acceleration of the quake marked 8.6 gal, far below 160 gal at which the nuclear reactor is prescribed to automatically shut down and therefore that no sign of abnormality was witnessed. As Sendai Nuclear Power Plant assumes a sufficiently higher level of tremor than an average series of quakes, the plant may continue operation, it was concluded.

The Meteorological Agency says no forecast is available as to immediate seismic activities and due caution is vital on the quake's effects on the plant, the meeting reported. Meanwhile, the meeting pointed out that the agency was tardy in disseminating information on the April 14 quake via its homepage and advised the agency to expedite future action in that respect.

Now, society is divided in Japan on the safety of 17 nuclear power plants - pros and cons each for good reasons. My space is overly limited to expound on the issue any farther than to say that energy is Japan's tendo Achillis and that we have wisdom to overcome the gravest of trials. Nuclear power generation is one great challenge for Japan to overcome at all costs.

As if to turn a misfortune to account, Sendai stands fast in the face of the trial of a double-deck earthquake. This is Nathan Shiga with fingers crossed.