40 Years Ago, a Nuclear Catastrophe at Chernobyl
On April 26, 1986, a reactor at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant in the Soviet Union exploded during a safety test, releasing massive amounts of radioactive material. The Soviet government initially concealed the disaster's scale, delaying public acknowledgment until radiation was detected in Sweden. Thousands were evacuated, including residents of the abandoned city of Pripyat, while 'liquidators' worked to contain the site without full knowledge of the dangers. The area remains a restricted exclusion zone, with long-term environmental and health consequences.
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You have a preview view of this article while we are checking your access. When we have confirmed access, the full article content will load.In photos40 Years Ago, a Nuclear Catastrophe at ChernobylPhotographs from the first days of the Chernobyl disaster and of the aftermath years later show the response, the evacuation and the long-term consequences of the world’s worst nuclear accident.The Chernobyl nuclear power plant three days after the explosion in April 1986.Credit...Gamma-Rapho, via Getty ImagesIn photos40 Years Ago, a Nuclear Catastrophe at ChernobylPhotographs from the first days of the Chernobyl disaster and of the aftermath years later show the response, the evacuation and the long-term consequences of the world’s worst nuclear accident.The Chernobyl nuclear power plant three…
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