When did the magnitude 9.0 earthquake strike off the east coast of Japan?
The magnitude 9.0 earthquake struck at 14:46 on Friday, the 11th of March 2011. This seismic event caused ground shaking forces reaching 560 Gal at Unit 2 and Unit 3.
Questions about Fukushima nuclear accident
Short answers, pulled from the story.
What happened to the Fukushima nuclear accident cooling systems after the tsunami hit?
Ten of the plants thirteen cooling systems for emergency diesel generators failed when the largest tsunami wave hit between 13 and 14 meters high by 15:41. Only one air-cooled generator remained operational because it was situated higher on the hillside.
How many fatalities are attributed directly to the evacuation process during the Fukushima nuclear accident?
Fifty-one fatalities are attributed directly to the evacuation process among an estimated 2,220 patients and elderly people residing in hospitals and nursing homes within the 20 km zone. Dr. Arifumi Hasegawa identified hypothermia, deterioration of underlying medical problems, and dehydration as suspected causes of death.
Why did hydrogen explosions occur in Units 1, 3, and 4 of the Fukushima nuclear accident?
A hydrogen explosion damaged the secondary confinement structure of Unit 1 at 15:36 on the 12th of March while another explosion occurred in Unit 3 at 11:01 on the 14th of March. An explosion observed in Unit 4 on the 15th of March likely resulted from hydrogen passing through shared pipes from Unit 3.
What is the current status of water discharge plans for the Fukushima nuclear accident site?
Japan's Nuclear Regulation Authority approved discharging treated water into the ocean in July 2022 with discharges beginning in August 2022 over the subsequent 30 years. Approximately 856 terabecquerels of tritium remained in the total amount of water by 2022.