The US nuclear waste storage tank moved because of the earthquake

The rare earthquake in the east coast of the United States last month caused many nuclear power plants' waste tanks to move a few centimeters, but have not caused any damage.

>>>Earthquake caused the US nuclear power plant to close

Of the 53 waste storage tanks at Virginia's North Anna power plant, the plant was closest to the epicenter of the earthquake on August 23, with 27 tanks moving, the power company managing the plant said yesterday. .

The movement level ranged from 2.5 to 11.4 cm, the company spokesman told AFP.

North Anna nuclear power plant in the state of Virginia. (Photo: ABC News)

The power plant above is located 150km west of Washington DC, while the magnitude 5.8 earthquake epicenter is 140km from DC to the southwest. The shock of this phenomenon spread very far.

The waste tanks of the North Anna plant contain used uranium dioxide, the tank is pumped with additional helium to ensure safety, and this gas may escape out in case of leakage tank. Gas will help activate the alarm.

Officials said they checked and found no trace of helium in the area. The tanks are still safe.

A factory official added that the earthquake caused some very small cracks in the office building, and stressed that the plant was designed to withstand seismic levels of 6.2 Richter.