Power Restored at Quake-stirken Japanese Nuclear Plant

Fukushima is one of the oldest operating nuclear plants in Japan, turning 40 years old on March 26. Photo by EPA/BGNES

Workers have restored power at the Fukushima quake-stricken Japanese Nuclear Power Plant, the Russian news agency ITAR-TASS reports Saturday.

Engineers have now connected a power cable to the outside of the plant and further cabling is under way inside to try to restart water pumps in four of the six reactors with the goal to cool the overheated rods and prevent further radiation and meltdown.

Firefighters also continue to spray water on the fuel rods at the Fukushima NPP.

BBC quotes a Japanese nuclear safety agency official saying: "We are scheduled to restore electricity at number one and two [reactors] today. Reactors number five and six also will be powered today. They are scheduled to restore power to number 3 and 4 tomorrow (Sunday)."

Nearly 300 engineers are engaged in the effort and work inside the 20-km zone from where local residents have been evacuated.

The latest date lists the dead toll at 7 197 and another 10 905 are missing.

We need your support so Novinite.com can keep delivering news and information about Bulgaria! Thank you!