The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on Wednesday delivered a draft report summary to Japanese authorities which stressed three major problems of Japan’s responses to Fukushima Nuclear Accident, including underestimate of the tsunami hazard, regulatory without independence and Emergency Response Centres without adequate provisions.

IAEA Fact-Finding Team completed a preliminary assessment of the safety issues linked with TEPCO’s Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station accident following the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami on March 11.

In the draft report, it said the biggest problems is the tsunami hazard for several sites was underestimated.Nuclear plant designers and operators should appropriately evaluate and protect against the risks of all natural hazards, and should periodically update those assessments and assessment methodologies.

The IAEA team said nuclear regulatory systems should address extreme events adequately, including their periodic review, and should ensure that regulatory independence and clarity of roles are preserved.

It also said the Japanese accident demonstrates the value of hardened on-site Emergency Response Centres with adequate provisions for handling all necessary emergency roles, including communications.

Meanwhile, the team also applaud that Japan’s response to the nuclear accident has been exemplary, particularly illustrated by the dedicated, determined and expert staff working under exceptional circumstances. Japan’s long-term response, including the evacuation of the area around stricken reactors, has been impressive and well organized.

The team arrived at Japan on May 24, then began the study of the nuclear situation in Japan, and  visited three nuclear sites, including the nuclear power plant at TEPCO’s Fukushima Daiichi.

The report is being prepared in advance of the Ministerial Conference on Nuclear Safety at IAEA headquarters in Vienna on 20 to 24 June.

Source: http://hken.ibtimes.com/articles/156197/20110603/iaea-three-major-problems-of-japan-s-fukushima-nuclear-accident.htm