Japan intensifies efforts to cool nuclear plant

TEPCO's Fukushima Dai-chi nuclear power plant is in danger of fuel rod meltdown.

Japanese army CH-47 Chinook helicopters have been spraying tons of water on the No 3 and No 4 reactors in attempts to prevent a meltdown of fuel rods. The aircraft dumped four loads before leaving the site to minimise risk of exposure to radiation.

The effectiveness of the airdrop operation is now being assessed, according to Japanese Government spokesman Yukio Edano.

The fuel rods kept in a pool of water, which is now compeltely dried. This exposes the rods to the air that may cause more releases of radioactive material, according to US Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

The rods had been taken out of the No 4 reactor for a maintenance overhaul before the earthquake.

Tokyo Electric Power Company hopes to restore the power supply to the plant needed for the cooling system and backup generators later today.