The worst possible scenario appears to be underway at Fukushima #1, with cesium detected indicated a core meltdown. Fukushima #2 also unstable.
If there is a full meltdown evacuation distance must be at least 30km. Partial meltdown might still be contained and water is being poured into the reactor to try and cool the fuel rods.
Fukushima nuclear plant does NOT have a combustible graphite core like Chernobyl. A total meltdown should flow into underground containment.
UPDATE: More from Sky News
Al Jazeera reports “1:03am
Japanese officials have denied the ongoing nuclear crisis at the Fukushima nuclear plant is as serious as either the 1979 Three Mile Island accident or the 1986 Chernobyl disaster.
On the seven-point International Nuclear and Radiological Event Scale, Fukushima rates a four, said Japan’s nuclear safety agency. Three Mile Island was a five, while Chernobyl was a seven.
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