IAEA: Continue to close Kashiwazaki nuclear power plant

According to United Nations inspectors, more tests are needed at the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear power plant, affected after the July 16 earthquake, before reopening the factory.

Radioactivity leaking from Kashiwazaki factory - Kariwa worries the local and international community - (Photo: AP)

The conclusion was made by the expert group of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) after a 4-day inspection at the plant. According to Philippe Jamet, head of the inspection team, it may take more months or longer, the factory can resume operations.

After the July 16 earthquake, about 50 problems were discovered at the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear power plant.

Local and international public opinion began to worry after the leaked radioactivity was found to be much larger than the initial estimates, although the Tokyo power company (plant operator) said it was launching. Leakage radiation does not pose a danger to the community.

Tokyo initially thought it was not necessary to invite international inspectors to assess the extent of damage at the plant. However, to quell rumors and concerns, the Niigata government decided to invite IAEA inspectors to assess the situation.

WALL VY