Chernobyl Nuclear Plant

The Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant is a closed facility in Ukraine, about 100 kilometers (62 mi) north of Kyiv. In 1986, Reactor No. 4 exploded here, causing a radioactive catastrophe throughout Europe. The reactor is now enclosed in a concrete and lead sarcophagus, as well as a large steel confinement structure, visible at the top of this Overview. The plant was seized by Russian forces on the first day of the invasion of Ukraine, and yesterday, the facility was disconnected from the power grid. As of 11 a.m. EST today, Russia claimed Belarus had restored power to the plant, but this has not been verified. Without power, systems that cool nuclear materials could fail, allowing radioactive substances to leak into the air. And with backup generators only able to supply 48 hours of power, authorities called for an urgent ceasefire so repairs could be made.

51.388918°, 30.098510°

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