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Monday, May 7, 2012

Japan is facing an unprecedented energy crisis

Japan is facing its worst energy crisis in its history, following the closure of the 53 nuclear power plants, according to various media. The influential daily Asahi Shimbun said in this respect between the people two anxieties, the fear of nuclear energy security and doubts whether the country can live without it. This Saturday, the Hokkaido Electric Power closed the last of the 50 reactors still functioning after the crisis caused by the earthquake and subsequent tsunami of March 11, 2011. For the paper the question is not only to criticize the government but to influence policy decisions that determine saving and energy production in order to feed the nation. According to reports, the Government of Prime Minister Noda Noshihiro expected this month to define a policy on this issue, including a program of power cuts for the coming summer and energy rationalization. The disaster caused by the quake and tsunami involved serious questions about policy on electricity generation herbal plants and the lack of appropriate decisions in this regard. In the following months, came to light flaws in the security operations of such facilities and the lack of contingency plans, all of which forced the resignation of the previous Government chief Naoto Kan. Dear still inconclusive estimated at more than 300 billion dollars losses, plus more than 30 000 dead and missing, the evacuation of more than 80 thousand people and about four million people affected. For these data bind high levels of contamination in agricultural areas and sea areas around the damaged nuclear power plant in Fukushima, the axis of greatest disaster in the history of Japan.

Nepal floods: 60 dead, little hope of finding survivors


Floods in Nepal in the Annapurna region may have killed 60 people, police said Sunday, and relief had no hope of finding survivors. "So far, 12 of the 15 bodies recovered have been identified and we have a list of 43 missing, including three Ukrainian tourists. The chances of finding survivors are close to zero," he told the head of local police, Sailesh Thapa. Only eight people survived a fast rising waters Saturday of the Seti River, which took away the families picnicking on the banks and a village located near the tourist town of Pokhara. By overflowing, Seti won two buildings and several huts in the village of Kharapani at the foot of Annapurna, one of the most tourism in Nepal. Most Nepalis are missing. "There was nothing abnormal. People were surprised by the waters when they were picnicking with family, rested or others worked. A torrent of mud carting debris has invaded everything and suddenly people away, "he told the Kathmandu Post. Sniffer dogs were dispatched to the disaster area from the capital 200 km away, while police and army were trying to find survivors. Prime Minister Baburam Bhattari, has ceased operations for travel to the village and promised to support the cost of the funeral, said his spokesman, Bishwadeep Pandey. Usually, floods occur later, during the monsoon, and the causes of this disaster were not yet known. The Annapurna region annually attracts thousands of hikers, Nepalese and foreigners. From an altitude of 8,091 meters, Annapurna is one of 14 highest peaks in the world.