>>>>>>>>And we don't even know about the radiation yet. (At least we won't be hearing for a while about how safe and economical nuclear energy is).
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>On the contrary - if you have any interest in this issue, there's an excellent analysis at http://www.theregister.co.uk/2011/03/14/fukushiima_analysis/ .
>>>>>>
>>>>>>Nice PR piece.
>>>>>
>>>>>LOL - I don't know how much you follow the Reg, but the entire staff there would consider that just about a mortal insult.
>>>>>
>>>>>No, if the Reg writes a piece like that, it's well-researched and the opinions expressed are the results of thorough analysis.
>>>>
>>>>I know, what is mainstream media thinking publishing pieces like this:
>>>>http://abcnews.go.com/Blotter/fukushima-mark-nuclear-reactor-design-caused-ge-scientist/story?id=13141287
>>>>http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2011/mar/16/japan-nuclear-fire-fuel-pools-radiation
>>>>http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/asiapcf/03/16/japan.nuclear.reactors/index.html?hpt=T1
>>>
>>>If you relied on the media you would assume the east coast of Japan was now a radioactive wasteland.
>>
>>What's really funny is see stories like this one:
>>http://www.foxnews.com/us/2011/03/15/drug-stores-report-sudden-increase-potassium-iodide-sales/
>>
>>and yet I don't know anyone (not in any state, CA, OR, WA, CO, or even NC) who is even considering purchasing potassium iodide pills....let alone panicking. It's not even discussed here and yet the article makes it seem as if everyone is running around panicking...
>>
>>and then this:
>>
>>U.S. urges citizens within 80 km of Japan plant leave:
>>http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/03/16/us-japan-usa-shelter-idUSTRE72F73J20110316
>
>I think cold weather and a lack food and shelter is going to kill more people there than this leak. It was unfortunate that the containing buildings got damaged in the explosions as it gives the wrong impression of the amount of damage. This is absolutely nowhere near the scale of Chernobyl. That was ejecting radioactive debris to about 30000 feet I think the Japaneses leak is maybe reaching 1000. Also I would imagine the rain will help as it will help drop any particles locally.

The problem with the rain is it will make it worse for those locally in the area. According to the news, the Emperor went on tv (which he has never done in the past except for holiday greetings). Also, U.S. scientists went on-site finally and found the condition worse at the nuclear sites than they had thought (read: worse than the Japanese were reporting - but that may be due to the fact that the nuclear sites are privately run I think if I understood it clearly) and issued new warnings. It appears like the media extravaganza may be closer to the truth now.

I agree on the weather conditions killing more people now (the radiation damage if any will manifest years from now) -- many don't even had coats because they fled immediately to avoid the tsunami and many ran outside their homes when the earthquake hit and then the tsunami went off so they just ran for higher ground. They are now in shelters with nothing but the clothes on their back and blankets. Little food - transportation is disrupted. It's terrible. It will be years from now when we will see the damage any radiation caused (unless there is a more severe meltdown and explosion in the next few days).