Japan is still battling to avert a nuclear meltdown at Fukushima No.1 nuclear power station, four days after it was crippled by the earthquake and tsunami.

Three of its four reactors had been hit by explosions, while the remaining one caught fire this morning. Residents within 20 kilometres had been asked to evacuate. And it’s now confirmed that radiation has been released into the atmosphere at levels that can damage human health (in nearby areas).

Low-level radioactive wind (presumably bringing no health threat) could reach further zones, including Tokyo which is located 240km away from the plant.

The Japanese government will begin releasing nationwide data on this matter later today. Meanwhile, neighbouring countries like China, Russia and South Korea are also strengthening their monitoring of radiation levels.

The meltdown crisis has sparked concerns of the safety of nuclear plants around the world, especially those located at quake-prone areas. Safety precautions are never safe enough when it’s against extreme nature’s wrath.