Episode Overview
NOVA delves into the detailed timeline of the Fukushima nuclear emergency, highlighting both the well-documented and lesser-known near-catastrophe at a nearby facility. With exclusive access to both nuclear sites, NOVA interviews personnel who experienced the tumultuous days firsthand—a sequence of events triggered by a natural disaster, exacerbated by human error. What factors led to the catastrophic failure at one plant while the other, facing similar threats, remained intact? The answer may lie in the expertise of a veteran employee who has been there since the beginning. These vital inquiries arise as TEPCO, the managing company, works to address an unprecedented radioactive situation and considers reopening the narrowly averted plant.