Chief Cabinet Secretary on Radiation Levels

Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary

Monday, March 14 at 11:00am, 2011
[Provisional Translation]
JAPANESE

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY EDANO: Since yesterday, we have been continually injecting sea water into the reactor core of the Unit 3 reactor at the TEPCO Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station. A short time ago, at 11:01, an explosion occurred in the Unit 3 reactor. Based on the conditions of the explosion and other factors, we believe that this explosion was similar in kind to the hydrogen explosion that occurred in the Unit 1 reactor.

I have been in direct contact with the director of the power station to confirm the situation. As the specialist closest to the scene, the station director has reported that as of approximately 11:30 today, the condition of the containment vessel remains sound. Consequently, we believe that the risk that large amounts of radioactive materials have been dispersed is low.

However, we expect an increase in radiation levels similar to the one that followed the hydrogen explosion that occurred in the Unit 1 reactor. Accordingly, I have given instructions to the very small number of people who were in the process of evacuating from a 20km zone around the power station that they should take refuge indoors immediately as a precautionary measure.

At the present time, we are receiving data that the pressure inside the reactor vessel is stable and that the supply of water is continuing. This information, if reliable, would support the station director's on-the-scene appraisal of the situation.

At the moment we are devoting our energies to gathering information and data on radiation density and other conditions in the vicinity of the site. If you don't mind, I would now like to return to collecting and analyzing the latest information.

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Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary

Monday, March 14 at 05:15am, 2011
[Provisional Translation]
JAPANESE

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY EDANO I have a request to make to the Japanese people regarding the implementation of rotating power cuts.

As Prime Minister Kan announced yesterday evening, rotating power cuts will begin today in the area serviced by the Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO). This will regrettably lead to significant inconvenience for everyone within the TEPCO area, but I ask all of you to cooperate in helping to conserve electricity at this time.

However, I should make it clear what rotating power cuts will mean. If an area is scheduled for a power outage, this simply means that the possibility exists that electricity supply will stop within that area. Consequently, it is also possible that people will still be able to use electricity even within an area scheduled for a power cut. Even so, this does not mean that supply rationing is not being implemented. With the cooperation of everyone within the TEPCO supply area, it is possible that we may be able to restrict the duration and geographical extent of the rotating power cuts to a minimum. I ask all the people of Japan to work together to help in this matter.

These rotating power cuts are being introduced at short notice, and will affect an extremely large number of people. Some confusion is therefore to be expected as the restrictions begin. In particular, people with medical conditions requiring mechanical respirators and other equipment are at particular risk as a result of the power restrictions. We are taking all possible measures to ensure their safety, but it is essential that all of you inside the TEPCO supply area avoid unnecessary use of electricity in order to keep the disruption caused to these people to a minimum.

Today is the first day of the rotating power cuts. I ask all of you to cooperate by conserving electricity as much as possible, particularly during the morning start-up period-including those of you living outside the designated power cut areas. Please restrict any non-essential, non-urgent outings, and do all you can to save electricity.

TEPCO has already asked large-volume electricity users for their cooperation, but it is absolutely vital that all the people of Japan do their utmost to help. Please, start to conserve electricity now. I ask you for your help and understanding in this matter.

ENDS

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