High level of radiation observed at nuclear plant

Fukushima Prefecture says a high level of radiation has been measured near the Fukushima Number One nuclear power station.

The prefecture says the radiation level rose to 1,015 mircrosieverts per hour on Saturday.

One hour of exposure to this amount of radiation is equivalent to the permissible amount of radiation an ordinary person receives in one year. It is about twice the level that requires power companies to notify the government of an emergency situation.

The government's Nuclear and Industrial Safety Agency says the power station's operator, Tokyo Electric Power Company, observed the radiation level near a gate on the hillside of the plant at 3:29 PM on Saturday, before an explosion was reported at the nuclear plant.
Saturday, March 12, 2011 18:43