US concerned about situation at Japan nuclear plant

There is more concern in the United States about the crisis at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant in Japan.



A top US nuclear official said attempts by Japan to cool reactors with sea water to prevent a meltdown appeared to be failing and workers could be exposed to potentially lethal doses of radiation.



Japanese army helicopters have been dumping water on the reactors to try to cool overheated fuel rods.



The plant was severely damaged by last Friday’s huge earthquake and tsunami.



The US state department has urged Americans living within 80 kilometres or 50 miles of Fukushima Daiichi, to leave the area.