Tagdisaster

Tokyo Falling

Another explosion this morning spewed a large amount of radioactive material into the air. The actual vessel containing the core has been exposed. NYT The minister says “we are now talking about levels that are harmful to human health but we ask you to embrace this information calmly.”
Radiation around the reactor is now equal to three years ordinary exposure every hour. The winds have shifted and a thermal plume is expected to impact Tokyo by this evening. As of now (14:45 Tuesday), radiation levels in Tokyo are 22 times above normal. It is said that “this level will not immediately affect health.”
It is recommended that all people outside return indoors immediately unless absolutely necessary – and then use a mask. When returning brush off clothes and leave them outside. Do not drink tap water or have any food that has been outside (though food and water seem to be unavailable in my neighborhood shops). Close and tape all windows and turn off any heating or other ventilation system. Limit skin exposure after washing with soap and water.
Rain is expected shortly and any contact should be avoided due to radioactive contamination. The same is true for the snowfall forecast for tonight and tomorrow.

Have a look at a multilayer interactive map, and further information for foreigners in Japan.

Meltdown

culled from Kyodo news, CNN, and Al Jazeera:

Fukushima has been hit by another explosion. Saturday’s blast was at No.1 reactor – this morning’s was at No.3 reactor. It injured 11 people.

Fukushima reactor three “highly likely facing meltdown” at this time although the “worst scenario unlikely to be like Chernobyl,” say government officials.
Fuel rods at the No. 2 reactor of the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear plant are now fully exposed; “melting feared.”

Thousand body tides, thousands missing; Over 550,000 people are spread amongst 2,500 emergency shelters. Millions face the fourth night without food, water, or heat.

The US fleet has been moved a safer distance from the coast after detecting elevated radiation levels on planes and personnel.

Meanwhile, France has asked its citizens to leave Japan immediately.

Japan’s cabinet secretary appeals for calm.

Ring of Fire

A volcano on the southern island of Kyushu has begun to spew ash and rock, the country’s weather agency has announced.

Shonmoedake mountain is more than 1,500km from the epicentre of Friday’s earthquake, and it’s not yet clear if the eruption is linked to the earlier seismic activity.

Also reported is the 70% likelihood of aftershocks greater than magnitude 7 by Wednesday, and 50% chance of more through the end of the week.

Blackouts are due to begin today and people are asked not to leave the vicinity of their homes as transport and other services will be affected. The blackouts are expected to last through the end of April.

The folks at JapanesePod101.com have been kind enough to release their iPad/Phone/Touch apps for free through the 19th to assist those with sudden language needs due to the tragedy continuing to unfold.