Death Toll Rises Sharply As Resue Efforts Keep Eye on Seas and Nuclear Plants
Scientists warn of potential for major aftershocks (7+) in the next week, and the potential for additional tsunami in the affected areas, but the imminent problem is the ongoing troubles at the Fukushima reactors.
Not only has the complex experienced two hydrogen gas explosions, but the authorities warn that a third reactor at the complex is losing coolant and could be exposing the fuel rods.
Crews aboard the USS Ronald Reagan were exposed to radiation released from the complex, and they’ve moved away from the projected radiation cloud, but that will hamper relief efforts even further since the carrier task force is critical to logistical efforts due to their contingent of helicopters to deliver goods and carry out SAR in the stricken areas.
The death toll is officially at 2,800, but is expected to rise to above 10,000.