The Chernobyl nuclear plant in Ukraine was taken over by the Russian army. The world's concern has also increased, especially considering the history of the 'Chernobyl Disaster' which claimed many lives.
The Chernobyl disaster is called a major event in history. According to the International Nuclear and Radiological Event Scale (INES), the Chernobyl disaster is at Level 7, which means a 'major accident'.
In April 1986, the reactor core exploded and a fire started at Chernobyl, then under Soviet control. About 190 metric tons of Chernobyl uranium were in the atmosphere at the time of the incident. Immediately, the 15 km radius zone around the reactor was emptied.
In total there were about 31 people who died directly in the incident, according to the BBC, Saturday (26/2/2022). Meanwhile, the Chernobyl case unfortunately also leaves long-term risks.
The United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation has reported that more than 6,000 children and adolescents developed thyroid cancer after being exposed to radiation from the incident, although some experts have disputed that claim.
International researchers have estimated that eventually, about 4,000 people exposed to high levels of radiation die from radiation-related cancers, while about 5,000 people exposed to low levels of radiation could suffer the same fate. But the full consequences of the crash, including the impact on mental health and even the next generation, are still being debated and studied.
Not only humans, the trees around there also turn reddish brown so that there is an area called the 'Red Forest'. There is also an increase in cataracts and albinism among some animal species.
Until now, Chernobyl is still included in the category of extra surveillance. The cleanup is planned to last until 2065. What a terrible disaster!