To survive after Chernobyl: what happens in the “zone of alienation”
“Izvestia” learned how things work in contaminated areas 31 a year later.
On 26 April 1986 was one of the largest manmade disasters in history. At the fourth reactor of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant accident occurred in which the atmosphere had been released huge amount of radioactive substances. The explosion claimed the lives of 31 people, a few dozen square kilometers area around Pripyat was infected, but were exposed to about 8 million inhabitants, including the liquidators of consequences of the accident.
Danger to life
Thanks to the work carried out on clearing the “exclusion zone”, the life on this territory is now quite safe. Areas with high levels of radiation currently found only in the vicinity of nuclear power plants. The most powerful emissions occurred in the Northern and Western areas, so there still remains a threat to health. These areas are closed from ordinary people, access is allowed only to professionals.
Recovery
Over the years the number of people returning home to Chernobyl, is growing. In some areas around Pripyat with dangerous levels of radiation recorded in the framework of the ten-kilometer zone from the plant. Some are now in the “zone of alienation” are home to over 500 returned — the so-called squatters. They eat home-grown vegetables, gathered berries and mushrooms, are also engaged in fishing or hunting. Many of the products after checking for radiation they export and sell calmly.
As an example, proving the safety of Chernobyl and the surrounding areas, often recall the story of Rosalia Ivanovna, who returned home soon after the accident and lived to 87 years, died from old age.
Ghost town
But the city of Pripyat, located 2 km from the plant, is unlikely to be available for habitation in the near future. After a period of decay from radioactive substances is about 30 years. Only upon expiry of this period the infected area will begin to clear.
But even with this in Pripyat long will it be to farm and use the water in food or to wash. In addition, without harm to health to be in the city would be relatively short.
The sarcophagus and memory lane
Near the nuclear plant erected a memorial in memory of the victims of the tragedy. It was built in honor of the 25th anniversary of the accident. The memorial complex contains some monuments and artifacts from the abandoned settlements. These items are distributed in different parts of the avenues, laid in the centre of Pripyat.
Immediately after the explosion, the station covered the sarcophagus, which is about 30 years hindered the further spread of radiation. But by 2013, the shelter began slowly to crumble, and the authorities decided to erect a new protective box. According to experts, it will last at least 100 years. The cost of shelter, which is the largest mobile ground construction, estimated at $2 billion. Its length is 165 m, height — 110 m, a width of 257 m and a weight of 36.2 thousand tons
Speculation and legends
After the accident, the story of the Chernobyl disaster pretty quickly start to grow with rumors of mutants living on contaminated areas. These myths are soon formed the basis of many books and films, and computer games. However, the reality is otherwise.
Since the effects of man on nature has decreased, the number of animals in some areas have grown substantially. Animals run, even in the Red forest and Polissya nature reserve that was seriously damaged after an explosion at the station.
In Chernobyl spotted deer, wild boars, ducks, cranes, moose and deer. In the winter, scientists have discovered traces of lynx and wolves.
However, in a particularly contaminated sites mutations still occur: for example, some birds there are unnatural color. But the rest — nothing unusual.
Tourism
Given the popularity of the “zone of alienation”, it is quite natural that this place is starting to attract tourists. The Chernobyl willingly go, not only residents of the former Soviet Union, but also foreigners.
The first tourists appeared in the “exclusion zone” in the mid-1990s. However, after 2002, when a UN report confirming that in most territories it is possible to be without much harm to the body, the number of applicants has increased dramatically. Experts have developed several routes, and in 2010 the area was opened to the public. However, tourists should observe some rules: it is not recommended, for example, to eat or to smoke outdoors, it is forbidden to export the items outside the zone, drink water from ground sources or to move on bicycles, because the radioactive particles can get on your clothing or skin.