March 12 (Bloomberg) -- The International Atomic Energy Agency said the authorities in Japan are making preparations to distribute iodine to residents in the area of the Fukushima Daiichi and Fukushima Daini nuclear plants.
“Japan’s Nuclear and Industrial Safety Agency has informed the IAEA that there has been an explosion at the Unit 1 reactor at the Fukushima Daiichi plant, and that they are assessing the condition of the reactor core,” the IAEA said in an e-mailed statement.
“The authorities also say they are making preparations to distribute iodine to residents in the area of both the plants,” it added. “The IAEA has reiterated its offer of technical assistance to Japan, should the government request this.”
To contact the reporter on this story: Jonathan Tirone in Vienna at jtirone@bloomberg.net
To contact the editor responsible for this story: Mike Harrison at mharrison5@bloomberg.net
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