The Secret Kyshtym Disaster: A Cold War Nuclear Catastrophe

The Mayak nuclear plant incident occurred on September 29, 1957, in the Soviet Union's Ural Mountains. Built hastily during the Cold War, the plant suffered from poor safety standards, leading to a catastrophic explosion in a waste storage tank. The explosion released a radioactive plume, affecting thousands of villagers. The Soviet government kept the incident secret for decades, delaying evacuation and contributing to severe health issues, including cancer and birth deformities, among the local population.

Describe the waste management practices at the Mayak nuclear plant.

What was the immediate effect of the explosion at the Mayak plant?