Japanese reactor will rage for up to 9 months: New leaks feared after radiation levels rise sharply

The operator of the crippled nuclear power plant leaking massive amounts of radiation in northern Japan announced a plan Sunday that would bring the crisis under control within six to nine months and allow some residents to return to their homes.

The phased road map for ending the crisis at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant, presented by Tokyo Electric Power Co. chairman Tsunehisa Katsumata at a news conference, included plans to cover the damaged reactor buildings to contain the radiation and eventually remove the nuclear fuel.

"We sincerely apologize for causing troubles," Katsumata said. "We are doing our utmost to prevent the crisis from further worsening."

Frustrations have been mounting over TEPCO's failure to resolve the nuclear crisis more than a month after a catastrophic earthquake and tsunami hit Japan on March 11, knocking out power and cooling systems at the Fukushima Daiichi complex.

Katsumata, who was hammered by questions over his management responsibility, told reporters he was considering stepping down because of the crisis.

"I feel very responsible," he said.

Katsumata said he was not sure when the tens of thousands who had been forced to flee their homes because of the crisis could go back, but Japanese Trade Minister Banri Kaieda said some could return home within six to nine months. (read more)