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 measures were taken to contain the radiation after the disaster?

What long-term health effects have been associated with the Chernobyl disaster?

What is the current status of the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone?