Japan nuclear watchdog ask Fukushima plant operator to assess risk from reactor damage

By MARI YAMAGUCHI
Associated Press

TOKYO (AP) — A nuclear watchdog has asked the operator of Japan’s wrecked Fukushima nuclear plant to assess potential risks from damage found in a key structure inside the worst-hit of the three melted reactors. A robotic probe finding damage in March triggered concerns about the reactor’s safety. It was the first time a robot was able to access the area and take pictures. The damage is believed to be from the initial earthquake in 2011, but it’s not known if it happened more recently. The Fukushima Daiichi plant is preparing for a planned release of treated, but still slightly radioactive, water into sea. The water release has triggered protests from the local fishing community and neighboring countries.