The Tokyo Electric Power Co. on May 11 released results of an analysis of the seawater near the power plant, confirming that high level of radioactive substances was again leaking into the sea.

Radioactive cesium-134 and -137 which are 32,000 and 22,000 times the legal level respectively were detected in the seawater near the intake of No.3 reactor, according to the analysis data.

In this regard, the assistant to the prime minister told media it is a very serious problem.

The damage by radiation is steadily increasing.

Cesium exceeding the permitted level was found in grass for cows in three places of Gunma Prefecture.

Radioactive cesium of maximum 17,020Bq per kilogram of earth was detected in the soil of the gas processing place in Ibaraki Prefecture.

According to the estimation of experts, radioactive materials of more than one trillion Bq per hour are still leaking from the plant.

A work is now under way to recover from the accident at the power plant including the work to restore the cooling system of No.1 Reactor but they are progressing slowly. It is, therefore, expected to take nine months to bring Reactors No. 2, 3 and 4 to normal.

In this regard, observers said the continued leakage of radioactive substances is inevitable, adding that the future of the plant is dismal although two months have passed since the occurrence of the accident at the plant.

In the meantime, the quake-and tsunami-related death toll reached 14,898 and the number of those unaccounted 9,922 as of May 8, said the National Police Agency.