It is highly likely nuclear fuel is piling up inside containment vessels of Reactors Nos. 1, 2 and 3 following meltdown.

It is already known that very high radioactive water leaked through holes formed at the bottom of the pressure vessels but it is the first time that there raised the possibility of the penetration of the nuclear fuel.

Radioactive cesium exceeding the standard level was detected at cars made at two factories in Shizuoka Prefecture.

The death toll from the mega earthquake and tsunami has risen to 15 457 with 7 676 missing as of June 18, the Japan Police Agency said.