Two Japanese nuclear reactors shut down due to lightning
Submitted by Marina Dimova on Thu, 11/20/2008 - 08:26.
Tokyo - Two reactors at the Mihama Nuclear Plant in north-central Japan automatically shut down on Thursday after lightning struck an electric power cable.
No injuries or harm to the surrounding environment was reported by the plant's operator Kansai Electric Power Co, but the disturbance caused minor amounts of non-radioactive steam to leak inside one of the reactors, Japanese media said.
The Mihama plant's No 1 and No 2 reactors shut down operations early Thursday after the electric transmission ceased by lightning hitting the power cable.
The No 3 reactor, which was undergoing a routine inspection, reduced its power output.
A small amount of non-radioactive steam leaked inside the No 1 reactor, according to Kansai Electric. (dpa)
Shares fell 2.1 per cent Friday on the Seoul stock exchange on general recession fears. South Korea's won dropped against the dollar.
When the Spirit rover landed on Mars five years ago, no one expected it or its sister rover Opportunity to make it to their first birthdays, let alone their fifth.
Amelie Mauresmo fell victim to a leg injury after less than half an hour on court Friday to hand over a 4-0 victory which put French compatriot Marion Bartoli into the final of the Brisbane International.
Mumbai-based movie Slumdog Millionaire won five prizes Thursday night at the Critics Choice Awards, cementing its position as a surprise favourite just as the Oscar season moves into high gear.
After the Taipei Zoo received two giant pandas from China, another Taiwan zoo said Friday it is seeking to receive a pair of pandas from China.