With Japan facing the prospect of a nuclear catastrophe, PM Manmohan Singh on Monday said an immediate technical review of India’s atomic plants has been ordered to check if they can withstand the impact of large natural disasters.

Making a statement in Parliament on the earthquake and tsunami in Japan, Dr. Singh said Indian nuclear plants have in the past met the safety standards during the major natural calamities like 26th January 2002 Gujarat earthquake and the December 2004 tsunami.

He informed both Houses of Parliament that India was in constant touch with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the Japanese Atomic Industrial Forum and the World Association of Nuclear Operators.

Singh said there are 25,000 Indians in Japan, most of whom do not live in the areas affected by the tsunami and so far there are no reports of any casualties.

About 70 Indians are in shelters established by the Japanese authorities in the tsunami-affected areas.

Expressing deepest condolences to Japan on behalf of the government, Parliament and people of India, he said New Delhi would spare no effort to assist the tragedy-stricken country as “our resources are at the disposal” of that nation.

He said 25,000 blankets have already been airlifted as an immediate measure and search and rescue teams along with relief material were ready to be sent.

Indian Navy is also on standby to send its ships to Japan as part of relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction.

“We can never forget that India has been the largest recipient of Japan’s Overseas Development Assistance (ODA). We have the best of relations with Japan,” Singh said.

Noting that the disaster of 11th March had affected some of the atomic power plants in Japan, the Prime Minister said the government attaches the highest importance to nuclear safety.

“The Department of Atomic Energy and its agencies, including the Nuclear Power Corporation of India (NPCIL) have been instructed to undertake an immediate technical review of all safety systems of our nuclear power plants, particularly with a view to ensuring that they would be able to withstand the impact of large natural disasters such as tsunamis and earthquakes,” he said.

The Prime Minister said work was also underway in the DAE towards further strengthening India’s nuclear safety regulatory authority.

Giving an assurance about safety standards of India’s atomic plants, Singh said they have in the past met safety standards.

Citing examples, he said following the earthquake in Bhuj in 2002, the Kakrapar Atomic Power Station continued to operate safely without interruption.

After the tsunami, the Madras Atomic Power Station was safely shut down without any radiological consequences and was re-started in a few days after regulatory review, he pointed out.

Singh noted that of the 20 nuclear power reactors currently in operation, 18 are indigenous Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors.

Two reactors at Tarapur, TAPS-I and II, are Boiling Water Reactors, the type being operated in Japan, he said, adding “A safety audit of these has been completed recently.”

Referring to the devastation caused in Japan, the Prime Minister said the images of destruction and human misery flashed on TV channels are “heart rending and deeply disturbing”, making it clear that the scale of destruction and loss of human lives are is likely to be far higher than expected.

“This is a moment of immense and grave tragedy for Japan,” Singh said, adding he had conveyed to his counterpart that India stands in full solidarity with the people of that country.

“I am confident that this House will join me in reiterating the heartfelt condolences of people of India to the friendly people of Japan and extending our prayers and thoughts to them during this most horrific disaster,” he said.