The Chernobyl Disaster

The Chernobyl disaster occurred on April 26, 1986, at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant in Ukraine. A reactor exploded during a safety test gone wrong, releasing large amounts of radioactive materials into the atmosphere. This led to widespread contamination of the surrounding areas and significant health issues for those exposed to the radiation. The nearby town of Pripyat was evacuated, and an exclusion zone was established. The incident raised global awareness about nuclear safety, prompting changes in regulations and emergency response protocols. Chernobyl remains one of the worst nuclear disasters in history, with long-lasting environmental and health effects.