In Japanese: http://www.asahi.com/national/update/0315/TKY201103140521.html
A few key points roughly translated: It can no longer be denied [sic] that the fuel rods were entirely uncovered. The problem was fixed but re-occurred when a steam release valve could not opened. At midnight on March 15 high levels of radioactive material were vented along with steam. TEPCO (Tokyo Electric Power Co.) determined that the water level in the reactor had fallen on March 14, at 1:25 (p.m.), and reported this to government authorities. At 4:34 they began preparations to inject seawater. Injection began at 6:22, but the water level did not rise. The entire 4 m length of fuel rods was uncovered. It was determined that the pump had run out of fuel. It was refueled and the water level rose. Pressure in the reactor rose close to the limits of the pressure gauge. TEPCO opened two external valves to release pressure. At 8:37 p.m. steam containing high levels of radioactive material was vented. The release was stopped at [around] 11 p.m. . . . [Various officials admit there is a chance of a meltdown.] At 9:37 radiation in the area near the plant entrance was measured at 3130 microsieverts, the highest leve recorded so far. At midnight on March 15, at Plant #2 10 km south, radiation was measured at 113 microsieverts. This is thought to be caused by the release at plant #1. At plant #2, reactors 1 and 2 are now reportedly below 100 deg. and are stable. . . . . . . Google translate will fill in some details. I have to say, it is worse than I thought last night. An honest top engineer was interviewed on line in the foreign press club a few hours ago. It was steamed on line, with a woman interpreting into English -- doing a remarkably good job. He said that venting the steam from the reactor is difficult. If air gets into the reactor vessel, it could cause an explosion which could fracture the steel vessel and then all hell will break loose. (He didn't say that, but that's what he meant.) In the middle of the presentation his cell phone got a message and he said "let me revise my previous remarks. I have just been informed that fuel rods were fully exposed . . ." Another dramatic moment you would not expect to see outside the movies. - Jed
