Fukushima reactors to be scrapped

Tepco will scrap reactors 1 to 4 at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant.

Tepco said earlier that the Nos. 5 and 6 reactors, the two remaining units of the Daiichi complex, are already in a state of stable condition called ''cold shutdown.''

Katsumata also said Wednesday that ''basic functions have been retained'' at the Nos. 5 and 6 reactors, the two remaining units of the Daiichi complex, as well as at the four reactors of the Fukushima Daini plant, south of Daiichi.

But top government spokesman Yukio Edano suggested that all six reactors at the Daiichi plant should be scrapped, saying at a news conference, ''It is very clear looking at the social circumstances.''

Since losing cooling systems for reactors and pools holding spent nuclear fuel rods following the March 11 deadly natural disaster, the power plant has leaked radioactive materials into the air and sea.

Tokyo Electric Power Company chairman Tsunehisa Katsumata admitted ''several weeks will be too short'' to stabilize the reactors and that the cost of compensation in connection with the disaster will undermine the company financially.

''We apologize for causing the public anxiety, worry and trouble due to the explosions at reactor buildings and the release of radioactive materials,'' Katsumata said.

You can read the full story at Kyodonews.