Firefighters in Ukraine have resumed efforts to put out smoldering fires on the site of the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant, as workers start dismantling part of the plant’s protective structure, which was damaged by a Russian drone attack.
Last week, a drone hit one of the plant’s outer domes, igniting a fire which was later believed to have been extinguished.
On Monday, however, renewed smoldering was detected in two hotspots and fire suppression efforts resumed. The State Emergency Service of Ukraine reported on the responders’ efforts on Telegram.
“At 12:00 on February 18, emergency responders were actively working to contain the fire and uncover parts of the [protective] sarcophagus structure,” the post read.
Three rescue teams are involved in the operation and are using drones equipped with thermal imaging cameras.
In 1986, Chernobyl was the site of the worst nuclear disaster in history, which led to widespread radiation contamination. The protective domes were built to stop further radiation leaking from the now inactive facility.
The drone strike, which happened on February 14, has raised fears of more deadly leaks. Chief Engineer of the plant, Oleksandr Tytarchuk, warned that there is a risk that radioactive materials could be released as a result of the incident.
However, radiation levels at the site are currently within normal limits, the authorities said, adding that there is no threat to the population at this stage.
On Monday, however, renewed smoldering was detected in two hotspots and fire suppression efforts resumed. The State Emergency Service of Ukraine reported on the responders’ efforts on Telegram.
“At 12:00 on February 18, emergency responders were actively working to contain the fire and uncover parts of the [protective] sarcophagus structure,” the post read.
Three rescue teams are involved in the operation and are using drones equipped with thermal imaging cameras.
In 1986, Chernobyl was the site of the worst nuclear disaster in history, which led to widespread radiation contamination. The protective domes were built to stop further radiation leaking from the now inactive facility.
The drone strike, which happened on February 14, has raised fears of more deadly leaks. Chief Engineer of the plant, Oleksandr Tytarchuk, warned that there is a risk that radioactive materials could be released as a result of the incident.
However, radiation levels at the site are currently within normal limits, the authorities said, adding that there is no threat to the population at this stage.
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