Core issues: worst-case nuclear reactor scenarios

By Glenda Kwek
Updated November 9 2012 - 7:35pm, first published March 15 2011 - 7:12am
Nuclear emergency ... how the reactors work.
Nuclear emergency ... how the reactors work.
A satellite image shows the destruction at the Fukushima nuclear plant.
A satellite image shows the destruction at the Fukushima nuclear plant.
Graph
Graph
A second hydrogen explosion hits the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant after the cooling system failed at the station's No. 3 reactor. The blast follows an explosion at the plant's No. 1 reactor on Saturday.
A second hydrogen explosion hits the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant after the cooling system failed at the station's No. 3 reactor. The blast follows an explosion at the plant's No. 1 reactor on Saturday.
Officials check for radiation on people who lived near a nuclear plant.
Officials check for radiation on people who lived near a nuclear plant.

What is the worst that could happen at Japan's Fukushima nuclear reactor plant?