Japan to halt three nuke reactors over quake concerns

Prime Minister Naoto Kan told a news conference on Friday his government asked operator Chubu Electric Power Co. to suspend two running reactors and a third shut for a regular inspection at its Hamaoka nuclear plant.

Japanese Prime Minister Naoto Kan. File photo: AP.

Japan’s prime minister has told a utility to halt three reactors in central Japan because of safety concerns in the event of a major earthquake.

Prime Minister Naoto Kan told a news conference on Friday his government asked operator Chubu Electric Power Co. to suspend two running reactors and a third shut for a regular inspection at its Hamaoka nuclear plant.

Mr. Kan cited experts’ forecast of a 90 percent probability of a major quake striking the region within 30 years.

He said it was a safety measure after the crisis at the Fukushima Dai—ichi nuclear plant, which was crippled by an earthquake and tsunami March 11.

Residents have long demanded suspension of the Hamaoka reactors.