'Rat-like animal' blamed for power loss at Japan nuclear plant
By Josh Levs, CNN
March 21, 2013 -- Updated 0137 GMT (0937 HKT)
(CNN) -- A "rat-like animal" just might be the reason for power outages at a critical Japanese nuclear facility this week.
The operator of the Fukushima Daiichi plant suspects such a critter of causing a short circuit in a switchboard that led to a power outage, Japan's Kyodo news agency reported Wednesday.
U.S. military join lawsuit over Fukushima exposure
Since a devastating earthquake and tsunami in March 2011 that triggered a nuclear disaster at the plant, the switchboard has been on the back of a truck outdoors, the report said.
CNN's Chad Myers explains the power loss
Tokyo Electric Power Co. has resumed operations at all nine facilities where power outages occurred, including a facility that removes radioactive substances from water used to cool reactors, Kyodo reported.
The temporary power loss did not trigger a known release of radioactive material.
Fortune: Robots have failed Fukushima Daiichi and Japan
Part of complete coverage on
June 19, 2013 -- Updated 0059 GMT (0859 HKT)
A man who silently stood in Taksim Square and stared at a portrait of the founder of the modern Turkish state, drew hundreds to his vigil.
Among the more intriguing pieces of history in Chinese coastal province Fujian are the tulou: large, round, rammed-earth buildings dating back centuries.
June 18, 2013 -- Updated 1539 GMT (2339 HKT)
NYU did a great favor not only for the Chinese dissident but also for both the U.S. and Chinese governments, writes James Millward.
June 19, 2013 -- Updated 1211 GMT (2011 HKT)
As Afghan forces formally take over security of the country, what is likely to be on the table when the U.S. and the Taliban meet for talks?
June 18, 2013 -- Updated 0314 GMT (1114 HKT)
Former NSA contractor Edward Snowden is laying low, but that's becoming increasingly difficult. CNN's Ian Lee reports.
June 17, 2013 -- Updated 1036 GMT (1836 HKT)
Snipers are doing most of the fighting in one war-torn Damascus suburb in Syria. CNN's Fred Pleitgen finds that death can come any minute.
June 19, 2013 -- Updated 0337 GMT (1137 HKT)
Countries in the Middle East that have been spared political upheaval find themselves enmeshed in a different sort of battle of late...
June 18, 2013 -- Updated 0214 GMT (1014 HKT)
Chris Kreis talks exclusively to CNN's Piers Morgan about his trip on a whale shark's back.
June 18, 2013 -- Updated 1252 GMT (2052 HKT)
From Charles Lindbergh's record-breaking landing to his solar flight, CNN takes a look back at the Paris Airshow's most memorable moments.
June 13, 2013 -- Updated 1040 GMT (1840 HKT)
Scenes of violent clashes between protesters and police may make visitors to Istanbul think twice. Is it time to cancel your trip?
Today's five most popular stories
© 2013 Cable News Network. Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
|