Second Explosion At Japanese Nuclear Plant
BBC News reports:
A second explosion has hit the nuclear plant in Japan that was damaged in Friday's earthquake, but officials said it had resisted the blast.
TV footage showed smoke rising from Fukushima plant's reactor 3, a day after an explosion hit reactor 1.
Japan's nuclear safety agency said the blast was believed to have been caused by the build-up of hydrogen.
Government officials said the reactor core was still intact as they tried allay fears of a radioactive leak.
Technicians have been battling to cool three reactors at the Fukushima 1 plant since Friday, when the quake and tsunami combined to knock out the cooling system.
Evacuations
The natural disaster killed hundreds and left thousands missing, sparking a huge rescue operation.
Japanese police have so far confirmed 1,597 deaths because of the natural disasters, but the final toll is expected to be much higher.
Kyodo news agency reported that 2,000 bodies had been found on the shores of Miyagi prefecture on Monday, but the claims could not be verified.
Tens of thousands of people have been evacuated from the area around Fukushima nuclear plant.
At least 22 people are now said to be being treated for the effects of exposure to radiation.
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