Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant and Civilization



Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant and Civilization

Introduction

The Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant accident happened in Japan was the second biggest and disastrous catastrophe after Chernobyl. Approximately, 150,000 Japanese still live in evacuation by their own choices or due to the order of government (Hasegawa, 2012). Though the accident was triggered by the tsunami and earthquake, however, this disaster is a human accident whose responsibility directly lies with the national government and electric company because of the series of underestimation, like the height of potential tsunami, power failure duration, and the potential of a station blackout. Besides the misleading information and confusion, deliberate concealment of information and delays in disclosure also occurred (Hasegawa, 2012). Thus, several mistakes were associated with the human actions of responsible authorities, which have led towards the greater disaster. This disaster has not only led towards the deaths of hundreds of thousands, but has also impacted highly on the progress and development of modern civilization.

Discussion

Main Causes That Led To the Accident

According to the NAIIC, the fundamental reason for the Fukushima Daiichi disaster is that none of the responsible authorities (TEPCO and other regulators) had taken any steps to put preventive measures in place even after being fully aware of the risks associated with such natural disaster. At the time of occurrence of Great East Japan Earthquake, the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant's structure was incapable of withstanding the impacts of the tsunami or earthquake, and the power plant was not even prepared for responding to a severe disaster (NAIIC). Thus, as per NAIIC indication, the accident could be prevented or at least it's heighten impact could be lessened if, only if, the authorities had taken effective measures prior to the occurrence of disaster. The height of predicted tsunami was underestimated by the TEPCO and Japanese Nuclear Safety Commission (JNSC). Though the warning of 15.7m tsunami was given by some researchers in 2008, but both JNSC and TEPCO ignored that warning, and designed the plant that was remained only to withstand a 5.7m tsunami following the anticipation of 2002. Unfortunately, on 11th March, approximately 14 to 15m maximum wave tsunami hit the ground and flooded over the 10m elevations from basement by 5m (Hasegawa, 2012). So, the failure of dealing with the possible disaster lies with TEPCO and JNSC, which didn't make right predictions and led the country towards this disastrous ...