Japan Nuclear Risks Rise as Foreigners Are Pulled Out

摘要

Helicopters and water cannon were used Thursday to dump water on Japan's stricken Fukushima-Daiichi nuclear power plant to try to prevent a meltdown of its nuclear fuel rods. In a sign of growing concern about radiation levels and possible explosions, the US has chartered aircraft to help Americans leave Japan and authorized the voluntary departure of relatives of diplomatic staff. France has urged citizens based in Tokyo to move to southern Japan or return to France, and sent planes to repatriate its citizens.