News that radiation from Japan's tsunami-damaged Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant was worse than originally estimated has raised questions about the government's early handling of the crisis. Government officials now estimate the amount of radiation released by the plant in the first week was roughly double the original estimate, and was between 20% and 40% of the amount released by the Chernobyl disaster. Three of the plant's nuclear reactors suffered a core meltdown in the days following the tsunami and earthquake on March 11.
Again, the people of Japan need assistance and help in overcoming this tragedy. Dealing with both the tsunami's impact and that of the damaged nuclear plant are tremendous burdens for the people. We should give what we can to relief organizations involved in recovery efforts.
