health
April 26, 2026
FACTBOX: Chernobyl nuclear power plant disaster
Since 2004, the CIS member states have observed April 26 as International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Radiation Accidents and Disasters
TL;DR
- The Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant's Unit 4 exploded and caught fire on April 26, 1986, during tests, releasing significant radioactive materials.
- The accident contaminated over 200,000 square kilometers, with major impacts on Ukraine, Belarus, and Russia.
- Approximately 116,000 people were resettled from the 30-kilometer exclusion zone.
- Investigations by Soviet and international agencies attributed responsibility for the disaster to plant personnel.
- Hundreds of workers received high doses of radiation, with some deaths from radiation sickness.
- A concrete sarcophagus, the 'Shelter' facility, was constructed to cover the damaged reactor, stopping radioactive emissions.
- April 26 is observed as International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Radiation Accidents and Disasters by CIS member states since 2004.
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