Fukushima radiation levels soar to record high in aftermath of Typhoon Wipha

Japan's Tokyo Electric Power Co. (TEPCO) has detected the highest level of beta ray-emitting radioactive substances yet at the crippled Fukushima nuclear plant in the aftermath of Typhoon Wipha.

Tepco revealed that the water sample taken on Wednesday at a point in the drainage ditch, which is only 300 meters away from the ocean, contained 1,400 becquerels per liter of radioactive substances, the Japan Times reports.

According to the report, the radiation level is said to have surged after heavy rain, caused by Typhoon Wipha, hit the Tohoku region on Wednesday.

The rain might have washed out radioactive substances, earlier absorbed by the ground, and the officials believe the water, which passed through the ditch, may have entered the sea.

Another water sample taken from the same point on Tuesday contained just 19 becquerels of such radioactive substances, the report added.