NOVA Season 42 Episode 22
NOVA
Season 42

Ep 22. Nuclear Meltdown Disaster

  • TV-PG
  • July 29, 2015
  • 53 min
  • 7.5  (48)

NOVA season 42 episode 22, titled "Nuclear Meltdown Disaster," explores the catastrophic events of the 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster in Japan. The episode takes viewers through the sequence of events leading up to the disaster and its aftermath, including the heroism and sacrifice of those on the front lines.

The episode begins with a brief history of nuclear power and the creation of nuclear reactors. It then delves into the events leading up to the disaster, including the 9.0 magnitude earthquake and subsequent tsunami that struck Japan on March 11, 2011. The episode explains the science behind how these natural disasters caused the failure of the backup generators at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant, leading to a meltdown of three of the plant's reactors.

Viewers see the initial response to the disaster, including the evacuation of nearby residents and the efforts of plant workers to contain the situation. They also witness the international response, as nuclear experts from around the world rally to help contain the meltdown and prevent further damage.

The episode includes interviews with scientists, engineers, and plant workers who were on the scene during the disaster, providing a firsthand perspective on the challenges they faced. NOVA takes viewers through the various attempts to cool the reactors, including the use of seawater, and the controversial decision to vent radioactive gases into the atmosphere to prevent further explosions.

The episode also addresses the ongoing effects of the disaster, both in terms of the physical damage to the region and the psychological toll on the people affected. NOVA explores the long-term risks of radiation exposure and the efforts to mitigate those risks, including the cleanup efforts at the Fukushima site and the decommissioning of the damaged reactors.

Throughout the episode, the focus is on the human side of the disaster. NOVA introduces viewers to the people affected by the disaster, from the families of those who lost their lives to the workers who put themselves in harm's way to contain the meltdown. The episode highlights the courage and determination of these individuals, as well as the challenges they faced in the aftermath of the disaster.

Overall, NOVA season 42 episode 22 provides a comprehensive and compelling look at the Fukushima nuclear disaster. The episode combines scientific explanation with emotional storytelling to create a powerful narrative of one of the worst nuclear accidents in history. The episode also serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the risks and challenges of nuclear power and the importance of safety and preparedness in the face of natural disasters.

Description
Watch NOVA - Nuclear Meltdown Disaster (s42 e22) Online - Watch online anytime: Buy, Rent
NOVA, Season 42 Episode 22, is available to watch and stream on PBS. You can also buy, rent NOVA on demand at Google Play, Apple TV online.
  • First Aired
    July 29, 2015
  • Content Rating
    TV-PG
  • Runtime
    53 min
  • Language
    English
  • IMDB Rating
    7.5  (48)