The Chernobyl Disaster: A Nuclear Catastrophe

The Chernobyl disaster occurred on April 26, 1986, when a test at a nuclear power plant in Ukraine went wrong, causing massive explosions and releasing significant radiation. The immediate response involved firefighters battling the blaze without protective gear, leading to many deaths from acute radiation syndrome. The Soviet government initially tried to cover up the incident. Cleanup efforts included building a sarcophagus over the reactor. Long-term effects include cancer and environmental damage. Today, Chernobyl remains uninhabitable, with an exclusion zone established around the site.

What was the initial cause of the Chernobyl disaster?

• A natural earthquake

• A routine test gone wrong

• A terrorist attack

• A meteor strike

How did the firefighters describe the sensation of radiation exposure?

• Like tasting metal and feeling pins and needles

• Like a gentle tickle

• Like a cold shower

• Like a warm breeze

What was the Soviet government's initial response to the disaster?

• They immediately informed the public

• They tried to cover up the accident

• They sought international help

• They evacuated the entire country

What was constructed to contain the damaged reactor at Chernobyl?

• A glass dome

• A plastic cover

• A steel and cement sarcophagus

• A wooden fence

How long did it take to extinguish all the fires at Chernobyl?

• One month

• Six months

• Two weeks

• One day

What health issues were reported as a result of the Chernobyl disaster?

• Increased cases of heart disease

• Increased cases of asthma

• Increased cases of thyroid cancer

• Increased cases of diabetes

What is the current status of the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone?

• It has been completely decontaminated

• It remains uninhabitable for thousands of years

• It is safe for human habitation

• It is now a thriving city