U.S. asks Japan for data on nuclear crisis, offers aid (Impressive image of reactor #4 at link.)

[OKIsItJustMe]

http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/03/17/us-japan-nuclear-usa-idUSTRE72G6ZC20110317?feedType=RSS&feedName=topNews

U.S. asks Japan for data on nuclear crisis, offers aid

(Impressive image here!) - OK

By Jeff Mason and Paul Eckert

WASHINGTON | Thu Mar 17, 2011 3:06pm EDT

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The United States would like more information from Japan on its nuclear crisis and does not expect harmful radiation from stricken Japanese reactors to reach U.S. territory, officials said on Thursday.

Nuclear Regulatory Commission chairman Gregory Jaczko said the United States was working to provide ideas and possibly equipment to help Japan cool its overheating Daiichi nuclear power plant about 240 km (150 miles) north of Tokyo.

President Barack Obama, who is leaving for a trip to South America on Friday, stopped by the Japanese embassy in Washington to sign a condolence book and said his administration felt "great urgency" to help Japan.

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It is sending charter planes to evacuate U.S. citizens from Japan and recommended its citizens stay further from the earthquake-shattered plant than the Japanese government has recommended, prompting concerns that the two allies differed on the seriousness of the situation.

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