Japan has raised the severity rating of its nuclear crisis to the highest level, matching the 1986 Chernobyl disaster. The level 7 rating signifies a major nuclear accident. At a news conference today, an official from the Tokyo Electric Power Company said, “The radiation leak has not stopped completely, and our concern is that it could eventually exceed Chernobyl.” So far, Japanese officials estimate the radioactive emissions are about 10 percent of what occurred at Chernobyl, but radiation continues to leak from the crippled Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant. Hidehiko Nishiyama is Japan’s Nuclear and Industrial Safety Agency deputy director general.

Hidehiko Nishiyama, Nuclear and Industrial Safety Agency deputy director general: “Based on data we’ve collected since March 18, we’ve given this a preliminary rating of 7. However, the emission of radioactive substances is about 10 percent the amount of Chernobyl, which is rated at a similar level.”

Earlier this morning, a fire broke out at reactor No. 4 at the Fukushima facility. The fire was reported soon after a strong aftershock hit the region.