Unidentified Drones Spotted Over Japan’s Genkai Nuclear Plant
Three unauthorized drones were spotted flying over Japan’s Genkai nuclear power plant, with authorities investigating who is behind the unusual activity.
Three drones were reported to have entered the airspace over the Genkai nuclear power plant in southwestern Japan without authorization.
The Nuclear Regulation Authority of Japan was informed of the incident by Kyushu Electric Power, the operator of the four-reactor Genkai Nuclear Power Plant. Authorities confirmed that no irregularities were found at the site and that there was no threat to the environment.
While drone activity near or over nuclear facilities is generally prohibited, an official described the incident as “extremely unusual.”
Investigation Ongoing:
Police are continuing to investigate the incident, but it remains unclear who was controlling the drones or why they were flying over the area. Radiation levels around the plant were reported to be normal, and no evacuation was necessary.
Reactors 1 and 2 at the Genkai plant have been decommissioned, while reactors 3 and 4 were restarted in 2018 following enhanced safety regulations implemented after the Fukushima nuclear disaster in March 2011.
