WASHINGTON - Calling the Japan nuclear disaster "unacceptable," an expert task force convened by the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission is saying that plants in the US need better protections for rare, catastrophic events.

The series of recommendations, included in portions of the report obtained by The Associated Press on Tuesday, will redefine the level of protection at the nation's 104 nuclear power plants after the worst nuclear disaster since Chernobyl.

The panel will tell the commission that nuclear plants should immediately re-evaluate their earthquake and flood risks. They should also add equipment to address damage to multiple reactors, and make sure there is electrical power and instruments to monitor and cool spent fuel pools.