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Chernobyl Nuclear Plant: Drone Footage Provides Rare Look Ahead of the 35th Anniversary of the Disaster
On 26 April 1986, a reactor at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant in Ukraine (then part of the Soviet Union) exploded, causing a catastrophic nuclear disaster that claimed thousands of lives and left the surrounding area devastated for generations.
Recently, drone technology has allowed for rare footage of the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone – the area surrounding the nuclear power plant, which has been deserted and has been designated a “no-go” zone since 1986.
In this article, the New York Times examines dramatic aerial footage captured using drones, offering a glimpse into the forbidden realm.
The video footage includes the riverbank, which became enveloped in radioactive debris that levelled the city of Pripyat in a matter of seconds. This footage highlights the slow but steady extent of the destruction that happened in 1986; the only sounds heard are the dry rustling of animals in the distance. The footage also shows the condition of the power plant, which still stands as a silent sentinel in a no longer inhabitable ghostland.
Thirty-five years have passed since the disaster; yet, the destruction and devastation left by the catastrophic event that shook four nations into its foundations – Ukraine, Belarus, Russia and the [then] Soviet Union – have sent ripples that continue to be felt today.
The immediate effects of the disaster resulted in more than 200,000 people being evacuated from the surrounding area due to the potential health risks associated with prolonged exposure to radiation.
Additionally, several studies conducted in the wake of the disaster indicate that the ensuing health crisis could potentially be linked to thousands of cancer deaths.
However, it’s important to note that in recent years, the international community has lessened the safety concerns encompassing Chernobyl’s legacy.
This is shown by the fact that drone technology is now being used by tourism companies to offer unique sightseeing trips that explore the now deserted land. However, they are closely monitored to ensure that radioactivity exposure levels are not exceeded.
Despite this, the footage created by the drone operators and made accessible online highlights the ongoing struggle that Ukraine continues to face today. With the country still recovering from the effects of Russia’s annexation of the Crimean peninsula five years ago, Chernobyl’s disheveled reputation has only served to emphasise Ukraine’s vulnerability in their ongoing battle for autonomy, sovereignty, and ultimately survival.
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