@blob it's not overly complicated. they are manually forcing ocean water into the core in order to cool it. they cant do anything else at this point

I saw a press conference today with the IAEA director. He said that they would be available if Japan requested assistance. I guess they haven't, so far.

I read a report a few minutes ago that stated that the Japanese had stopped pumping in seawater to cool the No. 3 reactor. Can anyone explain why they did this? Could this have lead to the explosion of reactor No. 3?

@blob Essentially they're pouring water so the temperature doesn't go high enough to melt the reactor internal structure and fuel bars (that's the "meltdown"). If they keep the temp low enough till the secondary radiactive activity of the reactor runs out, it'll be ok. Even if it melts down it's not that bad, provided the armor is intact. Which should be.

Is there video anywhere out there of the latest explosion at the plant? (Reactor #3)

IAEA does not have authority to do much; Japan is a soverign state that is calling the shots. I am sure IAEA will help if asked.

@Jenn Probably they stopped because the H2 concentrations were too dangerous to continue. They were aware of the problem since yesterday, and had warned that such an explosion was possible. It could be other things - who knows. The work the engineers are doing there currently is insanely difficult

@Jenn The only reason they'd stop is for a potential tsunami, but no tsunami warning was officially issued -- just some rogue dude in a helicopter looking at the ocean.

Meltdown simply means the fuel has melted due to excessive core temperatures. Tepco has indicated in their press releases that a partial meltdown has likely occurred. Water still can flow through the core, remove heat, and prevent further damage. Plus, as time goes on, there is less decay heat, so as long as the fuel remains covered with water, the problem should not escalate.

1 worker has a bruise- many workers missing

This is a video of the explosion at reactor #3: www.youtube.com

Where I come from water boils at 100degreesC, so I'm not confident that a bit of sea water is enough to cool a core that is around 1500/2200degreesC??

Thanks for the vid Amaltea. That's what I was looking for.

Off Kyodo abut the stopped pumping of water: "The seawater injection stopped around 1 a.m. due to the shortage of water left in tanks, but resumed for No. 3 reactor at 3:20 a.m., according to the nuclear safety agency."

thoughts and prayers...civilian residents need accurate information about the nuclear things

For a no nonsence explanation of what has happed with the reactors read this description by Dr Josef Oehmen, a research scientist at MIT, in Boston. morgsatlarge.wordpress.com

I would really rather see the Reuters reports instead of alot of comments and speculation. There are plenty of discussion boards out there for sharing comments. The Reuters reports don't seem to be coming in as often as they were?

@anonimoose on the contrary we are gettin most info form news networks via live feeds then updating here.

@anonimoose Many are providing links and well-sourced information. We need all the data we can to help everyone find the truth about what is going on.

@Anny : Japan's weather agency dismisses tsunami fears (11:48)