Nuclear plant still in 'alarming' state

The Fukushima nuclear power plant damaged by Japan's deadly earthquake and tsunami is still in an "alarming" state, Prime Minister Naoto Kan said according to Kyodo News.

There were reports that smoke was rising from the plant after sounds of an explosion were heard.

Some of the reactors at the Fukushima No. 1 plant have lost their cooling function, amid fears of a meltdown when radiation levels rose over after the earthquake.

The government is pumping seawater to cool the core. The plant was damaged by the quake and ensuing tsunami which hit the northeast coast.