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[olemars]

Japanese reactors are all of the BWR type. They shut down automatically, but they need coolant circulation even then to dissipate residual heat.

[Max White]

Here are a bunch of images if it hasn't been linked yet.

Number 30, the boat in the maelstrom, is unbelievable. I was under the impression that nothing but underwater terrain could do that.

[alway]

Here are a bunch of images if it hasn't been linked yet.

Number 30, the boat in the maelstrom, is unbelievable. I was under the impression that nothing but underwater terrain could do that.

The video is even more impressive.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rhCqf7M_tv4&feature=player_embedded

EDIT: OH SHI*!!
Msnbc is now reporting 5 nuclear reactors in trouble >_<
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/42025882/ns/world_news-asiapacific/
3 at the Daini plant, 2 at the Daiichi plant.

[Itnetlolor]

I just recently realized that a good family friend lives somewhere near Tokyo. I hope he's faring well.

EDIT:
Just sent an email to be sure.

[Aqizzar]

Here are a bunch of images if it hasn't been linked yet.

11 and 35 are the most... impressive ones to me.  Really displays the phenomenal power of the tsunami wave to pile up cars and houses like grains of sand.

[JWNoctis]

My goodness...

[LionSilverWolf]

Just finished watching Rachel Maddow on MSNBC, when it gets posted to the site I highly recommend watching it as she explains the whole reactor issue very well.

[Nadaka]

I just got some good news. The only person I know in Tokyo is alive. She said things are a little crazy but is sure everything will be fine.

[alway]

Just finished watching Rachel Maddow on MSNBC, when it gets posted to the site I highly recommend watching it as she explains the whole reactor issue very well.

Meh, it really isn't complicated or anything. IIRC, nuclear plants have a couple cycles of cooling systems. Around the reaction itself is the first layer meant to transfer the heat (rods immersed in this one), the next being the closed water/liquid loop being used to generate the electricity, with a third used to cool the second while keeping it isolated from exposure to the outside. A quick wiki shows this particular variety has no secondary loop, so it's even simpler than most, tldr version: the fans on the AC unit aren't working and so the room is hot.

[LionSilverWolf]

Just finished watching Rachel Maddow on MSNBC, when it gets posted to the site I highly recommend watching it as she explains the whole reactor issue very well.

Meh, it really isn't complicated or anything. IIRC, nuclear plants have a couple cycles of cooling systems. Around the reaction itself is the first layer meant to transfer the heat (rods immersed in this one), the next being the closed water/liquid loop being used to generate the electricity, with a third used to cool the second while keeping it isolated from exposure to the outside. A quick wiki shows this particular variety has no secondary loop, so it's even simpler than most, tldr version: the fans on the AC unit aren't working and so the room is hot.

Also explained is the containment, and construction, and why they're doing things that they're doing (like venting radiation) and what they're doing to get the AC, as you put it, back on stable power. It's not complicated but I haven't found any other media that have put it all together to explain fully exactly what's going wrong and why it's bad, but not as bad as it still could be.

[Assassinfox]

This is... horrifying.  Posting to keep up with topic.

[LionSilverWolf]

Numbers update: http://twitter.com/#!/BreakingNews/status/46417776465805312

[Pandarsenic]

Good news, for those who care: my brother is alive and well.

[alway]

Steam released from 2 reactors;
According to MSNBC, the first reactor's pressure is now 2 times normal (was 1.5 times previously). If this doesn't get under control soon, this could be one heck of a mess...

[Trappin]

live feed from ANNnews/Tokyo

http://www.ustream.tv/channel/annnews

graphic showing the nuclear plant evac area.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)