Nuclear Fuel Rods Melting in 3 Reactors

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Japanese Officials: Nuclear Fuel Rods Melting in 3 Reactors

Outlook grim following two explosions

By Katy O'Donnell

Monday, March 14, 2011 | 12:18 p.m.

Japanese officials confirmed Monday that nuclear fuel rods appear to be melting

inside three reactors compromised by Friday's earthquake, though nuclear experts

differ on whether the outer chamber of a reactor melting in fact constitutes a

partial " meltdown. "

Chief Cabinet Secretary Yukio Edano said Monday that " although we cannot

directly check it, it's highly likely happening. "

Unit 3 of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station in northeastern Japan

exploded earlier Monday, wounding 11 workers; it had been under emergency watch

for an explosion after a hydrogen blast at Unit 1 of the plant on Saturday.

Edano said the Unit 3 reactor's inner containment vessel was intact.

More than 180,000 people have been evacuated from the area, and as many as 1,500

have been examined for radiation, according to USA Today.