A protective shield covering the Chernobyl nuclear reactor in Ukraine can no longer provide its main containment function following a drone strike earlier this year, according to a UN watchdog. International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) inspectors found that the massive structure, built over the site of the 1986 nuclear disaster, had lost its 'primary safety functions including the confinement capability'.
In February, Ukraine accused Russia of targeting the power plant - a claim the Kremlin denied. The IAEA indicated that repairs were 'essential' to 'prevent further degradation' of the nuclear shelter. However, environmental expert Jim Smith told the BBC: 'It is not something to panic about.'
Prof. Smith from the University of Portsmouth in the UK, who has studied the aftermath of the Chernobyl disaster, said the biggest danger linked to the site was disturbing radioactive dust. Still, he asserted that 'the risk is low' because contaminated dust is contained within a thick concrete 'sarcophagus', which is covered by the protective shield.
The 1986 explosion at Chernobyl blasted radioactive material into the air, triggering a public health emergency across Europe. In response, the former Soviet Union constructed the sarcophagus over the nuclear reactor. However, this structure has a limited lifespan, prompting the need for the protective shell to prevent radioactive material from leaking out over the next 100 years.
The IAEA reported that a team had completed a safety assessment of the site last week after it was 'severely damaged' by the drone strike, which had caused a fire in the outer cladding. Inspectors confirmed there was no permanent damage to the shell's load-bearing structures or monitoring systems, and some repairs had been made on the roof.
IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi mentioned that 'timely and comprehensive restoration remains essential to prevent further degradation and ensure long-term nuclear safety.'
Since the start of December, the UN's nuclear watchdog has been evaluating Ukraine's energy infrastructure as the country continues to defend itself against Russia. Concurrently, there have been reports of airstrikes on various Ukrainian cities amid the ongoing conflict.}
In February, Ukraine accused Russia of targeting the power plant - a claim the Kremlin denied. The IAEA indicated that repairs were 'essential' to 'prevent further degradation' of the nuclear shelter. However, environmental expert Jim Smith told the BBC: 'It is not something to panic about.'
Prof. Smith from the University of Portsmouth in the UK, who has studied the aftermath of the Chernobyl disaster, said the biggest danger linked to the site was disturbing radioactive dust. Still, he asserted that 'the risk is low' because contaminated dust is contained within a thick concrete 'sarcophagus', which is covered by the protective shield.
The 1986 explosion at Chernobyl blasted radioactive material into the air, triggering a public health emergency across Europe. In response, the former Soviet Union constructed the sarcophagus over the nuclear reactor. However, this structure has a limited lifespan, prompting the need for the protective shell to prevent radioactive material from leaking out over the next 100 years.
The IAEA reported that a team had completed a safety assessment of the site last week after it was 'severely damaged' by the drone strike, which had caused a fire in the outer cladding. Inspectors confirmed there was no permanent damage to the shell's load-bearing structures or monitoring systems, and some repairs had been made on the roof.
IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi mentioned that 'timely and comprehensive restoration remains essential to prevent further degradation and ensure long-term nuclear safety.'
Since the start of December, the UN's nuclear watchdog has been evaluating Ukraine's energy infrastructure as the country continues to defend itself against Russia. Concurrently, there have been reports of airstrikes on various Ukrainian cities amid the ongoing conflict.}
