The Nuclear and Industrial Safety Agency and Tokyo Electric Power Co. were aware at least by 2006 that the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear plant was at risk of having its power knocked out by massive tsunami, NISA officials said Tuesday.
According to the officials, the awareness was shared at a study session attended by several utilities that was held in response to the 2004 Sumatra quake and tsunami in Indonesia.
A paper compiled in August 2006 indicated the participants recognized that "there is a possibility that power equipment could lose their functions if 14-meter tsunami hit the Fukushima plant, with seawater flowing inside the (reactor) turbine buildings."