Japan: Radioactive leakage after an earthquake

According to a company spokesman operating the Kashiwazaki nuclear power plant, the bright earthquake caused radioactive leaks, but did not affect people and the environment.

"We confirm that water contains some radioactive material that has escaped from the factory," said Shougo Fukuda, a spokesman for Tokyo's power company. "However, this leaked water is believed to be below the level that could affect the environment."

He also said no workers at the factory were exposed to radiation.

The Kashiwazaki plant is one of the largest nuclear power plants in the world. The magnitude 6.8 earthquake this morning caused fires in the electricity supply area. Black smoke was seen rising to the sky for hours from the factory until the fire was extinguished.

Fukuda said it did not know if an earthquake or fire caused a radioactive issue.

Smoke rises from Kashiwazaki plant after the morning earthquake (Photo: AP)

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