It has been the biggest nuclear accident in the history of the humankind - on 26th April 1986, nuclear reactor in Chernobyl exploded. The radiation was supposed to be limited by covering nuclear reactor with sarcophagus. Recently the cracks have started to appear...
The core meltdown followed by an enormous explosion completely destroyed the roof of the nuclear reactor. The impact of the explosion scattered remains of nuclear fuel in vicinity and liquid mass containing radioactive waste started to leak outside. The huge sarcophagus was built to cover the destroyed reactor complex in order to prevent even more leakage.
Contaminated rubble brought from the surroundings was also walled in. All the works were extremely dangerous and had to be done as fast as possible.
It was only a temporary solution.
(The abandoned city of Pripyat. Picture Credit)
The sarcophagus, during all these years, have been susceptible to various atmospheric influences. The concrete has crumbled and the steel supporting beams have started to rust. The whole structure is threatened with collapse.
The radiation is continuously emanating inside: 95% of the original radioactive material still remains inside the ruins. The rainwater which has been washing down the cracked encasing have been easily seeping into the ground water.
(The Chernobyl NPP sarcophagus. Picture Credit)
In order to prevent another disaster, there is a plan to build double wall cover called The New Safe Confinement" which is expected to be finished by 2017.
(The draft of the new sarcophagus. Picture Credit)
It will be 110 metres high and weigh more than 30,000 tons. The whole confinement, made out of steel pipes, will be transported on rails over the damaged reactor. Despite all up-to-date technological advancement used in the design, and 1.54 billion euros being spent, it will not last forever. The experts estimate the lifetime of a minimum of 100 years.
"Postcards from Pripyat, Chernobyl - Drone Footage" by Danny Cooke
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