Officials find more leaks at Japanese nuclear plant

Japan’s top nuclear regulator has raised safety concerns about hastily built storage tanks and their foundations amid reports of new leaks of radiation-contaminated water at a tsunami-hit nuclear plant.

Nuclear Regulation Authority chairman Shunichi Tanaka said a small leak and signs of possible leaks have been spotted in several other storage tanks at the Fukushima Dai-ichi plant. Officials said part of the leak has escaped into the sea.

Mr Tanaka said the discoveries were the result of closer inspections after a 300-ton leak two weeks ago. He raised concerns about the tanks’ foundations and urged careful monitoring.

The plant’s operator said it suspects other possible leaks because radioactivity has been detected near the tanks, although it is not considered deadly.

The latest leaks have triggered further concerns about the plant’s ability to manage the contaminated water.