Ukraine’s National Nuclear Power Generation Company (Energoatom) warned on Monday that radiation levels around the occupied Chernobyl nuclear power plant are at risk because the radiation monitoring system and combat service to forest fires are not working.
Shortly after the start of an invasion on February 24, Russian forces took control of the territory around the now-defunct power plant, which was the site of the world’s worst nuclear accident in 1986.
As a result, the system for monitoring radiation levels in the so-called 30-kilometer exclusion zone in the forests around the plant is currently not working, Energoatom said in a statement.
“There is no data on the current state of radiation pollution of the exclusion zone environment, which makes it impossible to adequately respond to the threats,” he said.
The agency said seasonal wildfires, which occur more frequently in spring and summer, pose a particular threat as the area’s wildfire service has been unable to work.
“Radiation levels in the exclusion zone, including not only Ukraine but also other countries, could worsen significantly,” he said.
Despite the presence of Russian forces, the Ukrainian team continued to work at the radioactive waste facility at Chernobyl, staying on long shifts despite fears of burnout — as it had been possible to change a new shift of workers.
On Sunday, the United Nations (UN) nuclear watchdog said some new staff had switched, allowing half of the previous shift to leave.
Source: CNN Brasil
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