Chernobyl's new shield withstands latest drone attack
Rescuers from Ukraine's State Emergency Service (DSNS) are addressing the aftermath of drone attacks on the Chernobyl nuclear power plant. Three small fires on the roof of the sarcophagus over the reactor, which was destroyed in 1986, are being extinguished, the Ministry of Internal Affairs in Kyiv reported on Monday. Radiation levels at the plant site do not exceed permissible values, according to the statement.
The State Emergency Service of Ukraine (DSNS) rescuers are working diligently to mitigate the impact of the Russian drone attack on the nuclear power plant in Chernobyl. Three small fires broke out on the roof of the sarcophagus covering the reactor that was destroyed in 1986.
Situation under control
The Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine reported that three groups of climbers have partially opened the shelter's structures to extinguish the fires in the insulation materials on the roof. The situation and air quality are being monitored with drones equipped with thermal imaging cameras. The ministry assures that radiation levels at the plant do not exceed permissible limits.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that a Russian attack drone struck the sarcophagus over the reactor during the night of February 13 to 14. The new sarcophagus, completed in 2019, cost approximately 2.2 billion Canadian dollars (about 1.6 billion Euro) and was co-financed by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development.
The Chernobyl disaster occurred on April 26, 1986, when the explosion of the fourth reactor led to the contamination of parts of Ukraine and Belarus. Radioactive substances also reached Scandinavia, Central Europe, and Southern Europe.
The construction of the new sarcophagus was completed in 2016, involving 10,000 workers from over 30 countries. Currently, the situation in Chernobyl is under control, and the efforts of the rescuers aim to ensure safety and minimize the effects of the attack.
