Anytime the power company tells you "Things are fine. Radiation levels are just a tiny bit higher than normal," it's time to put your head between your legs and kiss your ass goodbye, because the power company is in damage control mode...and are trying to cover their asses.
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/12_45.html
"The government's Nuclear and Industrial Safety Agency says
2 radioactive substances, cesium and radioactive iodine, have been detected near the Number One reactor at the Fukushima Number One nuclear power station.
The agency says this indicates that some of the metal containers of uranium fuel may have started melting.
The substances are produced by fuel fission.
University of Tokyo Professor Naoto Sekimura says only a small part of the fuel may have melted and leaked outside.
He called on residents near the power station to stay calm, saying that most of the fuel remains inside the reactor, which has stopped operation and is being cooled.
Saturday, March 12, 2011 15:26 +0900 (JST)"
It sounds to me like they're trying to keep the populace calm...or as calm as possible considering what they've just been through...and trying to avoid the panicked masses from trying to evacuate the area on roads that are damaged, destroyed, and may otherwise be clogged with emergency vehicles.
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/12_38.html
"Venting air from reactor container suspended
The operation at Fukushima No.1 plant to lower pressure of the containment vessel has been suspended due to high radiation levels at the site.
Pressure of the reactor container is rising as its cooling system became dysfunctional due to a blackout and power generator breakdown. This has raised concern about possible damage to the container.
The power station's operator, Tokyo Electric Power Company, began to vent air from the reactor container at 9AM on Saturday.
Under the plan, 2 valves close to the container would be opened manually, but radiation level on the second valve was found higher than expected.
The operation has been suspended because of the possibility that workers could be exposed to radiation. The utility is reportedly studying how to open the valve by replacing workers at a short interval, or using electric remote control.
The Nuclear and Industrial Safety Agency says if radioactive substance is released in the air, safety of residents evacuated beyond a 10-kilometer radius from the No.1 reactor will be ensured.
Saturday, March 12, 2011 13:09 +0900 (JST)"