COMMENTARY: Approaching final stages to avoid worst-case scenario (asahi.com)

[jpak]

http://www.asahi.com/english/TKY201103180216.html

<snip>

While the attention has been on efforts to spray water into the reactors, the pressure containers surrounding the cores of the No. 1 to No. 3 reactors are still in an emergency situation.

Although the internal situation is unclear, the fuel rods were likely exposed for a long time, meaning a partial core meltdown has probably occurred. That possibility calls for the immediate pumping in of water.

A fire hose was used to try to pump in water, but the high pressure within the container kept the water out.

If a strong power source is restored, the emergency core cooling system (ECCS)--considered a guardian deity for preventing major nuclear accidents--would finally operate.

<more>

[Throckmorton]

How about,

If a strong power source is restored, the emergency core cooling system (ECCS)--considered a guardian deity for preventing major nuclear accidents--MAY finally operate.

At this point, Im not sure that it will.

[jpak]

3. yup - there is way too little info to say what has truly happened and what can be done

I hope they can get this over with soon

[nadinbrzezinski]

1. ECCS is my deity for the day

I will pray to this craven idol!

:-)

Thanks

[buddysmellgood]

2. It's supposedly designed so that the fuel cannot burn through the

pressure container.

[kestrel91316]

4. There's probably nothing a total meltdown can't burn through or get out of.