Troubled nuclear power plant ordered to shut down

   Kashiwazaki City Mayor Aida Hiroshi on July 18 invoked the Fire Service Law to order Tokyo Electric Power Co., (TEPCO) to suspend the operation of all reactors at the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa Nuclear Power Plant that experienced many problems caused by the strong earthquake.

   The mayor summoned TEPCO President Katsumata Tsunehisa to the city office and handed him a written-order.

   The Fire and Disaster Management Agency, Niigata prefectural government, and Kashiwazaki City government jointly conducted an on-the-spot investigation at the nuclear power plant on July 17. Since they found much damage to the ground, they said that facilities in the plant might have suffered damage.

- Akahata, July 19, 2007