Authorities declare emergency at nuclear plant after quake
Japan has declared a state of emergency at a nuclear power plant when its cooling system failed after the massive earthquake struck.
There was no radiation leak.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Yukio Edano says the nuclear power plant in Fukushima developed a mechanical failure in the system needed to cool the reactor after it was shut down in the earthquake.
He said the measure was a precaution and there was no radiation leak at the Fukushima No 1 power plant. He said the facility was not in immediate danger.
The quake also started a fire in a turbine building at nuclear power plant in north-eastern Japan, but the reactor building was reported to be secure.
Tohoku Electric Power said smoke was observed coming out of the building, which is separate from the reactor, and the cause was under investigation. The plant is in Miyagi prefecture.
The company said there have been no reports of radioactive leaks or injuries.
Thousands of people are fleeing their homes in north-eastern Indonesia after officials warned that a tsunami up to six feet high could hit coastal areas.
Some jumped in cars and motorcycles and headed to high ground as sirens blared. Others huddled in mosques or were brought to police stations or army barracks.
Alerts were issued along a 1,100-mile stretch of coastline, from North Sulawesi province to Papua.
Indonesia was hardest hit by the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami that claimed more than 230,000 lives.
In Chile, the president called on the country to remain calm and go about business as usual despite the tsunami alert.
In Peru, authorities have issued a tsunami alert but no evacuations were imminent.
Chile’s National Emergency Office will issue reports throughout the day to keep the public informed of the danger, and there will be enough time to evacuate if necessary, President Sebastian Pinera said.
Just over a year ago, Chile was struck by a tsunami which devastated coastal communities after an 8.8 earthquake just off the central coast.
Today, the first place to be affected would be Chile’s Easter Island, in the remote South Pacific about 2,175 miles east of the capital Santiago, where the tsunami was expected to arrive around 5 pm (8pm Irish Time).
