Chernobyl radiation shield ‘lost safety function’ after drone strike, UN watchdog says
The protective shield covering the Chernobyl nuclear reactor in Ukraine can no longer provide its main protection function following a drone attack earlier this year, according to a UN watchdog.
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) inspectors found that the massive structure, built on the site of the 1986 nuclear disaster, had lost “essential safety functions, including shutdown capacity.”
In February, Ukraine accused Russia of targeting the power plant, but the Kremlin denied this claim.
The IAEA said repairs were “essential” to “prevent further deterioration” of the nuclear bunker. But environmental expert Jim Smith told the BBC: “This is nothing to panic about.”
Prof Smith from the University of Portsmouth in England, who studied the events following the Chernobyl disaster, said that the biggest danger associated with the region is the disturbing radioactive dust.
But he said the “risk is low” because the contaminated powder was stored in a thick concrete “sarcophagus” covered with a protective shield.
In 1986, the explosion at Chernobyl sent radioactive material into the air, triggering a Europe-wide public health emergency.
In response, the former Soviet Union built a sarcophagus over the nuclear reactor.
The sarcophagus had a lifespan of only 30 years, resulting in the need for a protective shell to prevent radioactive material from leaking out over the next 100 years.
The IAEA said a team completed a security assessment of the site last week after it suffered “serious damage” in a drone attack. The attack caused a fire in the outer cladding of the steel structure.
Investigators said there was no permanent damage to the projectile’s supporting structures or tracking systems, and some repairs were made to the roof.
But IAEA director general Rafael Grossi said: “Timely and comprehensive restoration is vital to prevent further degradation and ensure long-term nuclear security.”
Since early December, the UN’s nuclear watchdog has been assessing Ukraine’s energy infrastructure as the country continues to defend itself against Russia.
in the night, Russia launched an air strike on the city of KremenchukA major industrial center in central Ukraine.
In addition to assessing Chernobyl, the IAEA also inspects electrical substations associated with nuclear safety and security.
Mr Grossi said: “They are absolutely indispensable for providing the electricity that all nuclear power plants need for reactor cooling and other safety systems.
“They are also needed to distribute the electricity they produce to households and industry.”
