unit 3 of the fukushima daiichi nuclear power plant (福島第一原子力発電所3号機の建設 "fukushima daiichi genshiryoku hatsudensho sangoki no kensetsu") was one of the reactors in operation on 11 march 2011, when the plant was struck by the tsunami produced by the tohoku earthquake. in the aftermath, the reactor experienced hydrogen gas explosions and suffered a partial meltdown, along with the other two reactors in operation at the time the tsunami struck, unit 1 and unit 2. efforts to remove debris and coolant water contaminated with radiation are ongoing and expected to last several decades.