Northern Japan was seriously jolted by a strong earthquake on Monday morning, that caused loss of human lives and massive power failures. Four nuclear reactors had to be shut down after minor fires broke out, but no radioactive leakages were initially reported.

On Tuesday, after further investigations authorities announced that one reactor at the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear power plant was leaking, radioactive substances spilling into the sea.

The Tokyo Electric Power Company informed that one of its units at the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa plant was affected by the powerful quake and was leaking radioactive waste (cobalt-60, iodine and chromium-51).

An official from the electric utility said there is no danger for the environment and investigations are still taking place. The government ordered the closure of the seven-reactor plant, after Tokyo Electric failed to secure a fire that broke out in optimum time along with radioactive leaks.

Japanese Premier Shinzo Abe criticized the company’s management for these incidents, saying safety measures should be fundamental at a nuclear power plant.

“They raised the alert too late. I have sent stern instructions that such alerts must be raised seriously and swiftly. Those involved should repent their actions,” the politician said.

“Nuclear power can only operate with the public's trust and for that, (power companies) must accurately and swiftly report what is happening, and reveal all its information to the people,” Abe added

Nine persons died and 47 were seriously injured by falling debris from crumbling buildings. Authorities informed that about 13,000 left their homes and took shelter in schools, hospitals or other buildings designated by emergency services.

Water and gas input was cut off after several pipes bursted, approximately 50,000 homes being left without these facilities, while 27,000 didn’t receive electricity due to failures at power plants and local distribution stations.