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September 23, 2011

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Nuclear plant weathers typhoon threat

A POWERFUL typhoon headed north yesterday after dumping heavy rains on Japan's tsunami-devastated coastline, paralyzing commuter trains in Tokyo, and leaving at least 16 people dead or missing across the country.

There had been concerns that Typhoon Roke could pose more problems for the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear power plant, which was sent into meltdown by the March 11 earthquake and tsunami, but officials said the plant weathered the storm.

Hiroki Kawamata, spokesman for plant operator Tokyo Electric Power Co, said several cameras set up to monitor the plant were damaged, but there had been no further leaks of radioactive water or material. "We are seeing no problems so far," he said.

The typhoon reached the country's northern island of Hokkaido yesterday morning, after weakening overnight.

It made landfall on Wednesday afternoon near the city of Hamamatsu, about 200 kilometers west of Tokyo, and then cut a path to the northeast.

The typhoon dumped 42 centimeters of rain in some areas, triggering landslides and flooding.

Police and local media reported 16 people dead or missing, most swept away by rivers swollen with rains.

Officials said more than 200,000 households in central Japan were without electricity late on Wednesday.

In Tokyo, thousands of commuters had to find alternative transport after rail services were disrupted.



 

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