On April 26, 1986 the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant by Kiev (located in the Ukrainian Republic of the Former Soviet Union at that time) a catastrophe occurred. This happened when a test that checks the efficiency, stability, and equipment of the plant was being run and workers did not apply sufficient safety precautions or warn the operators about the electrical test's risks, inevitably a sudden power surge resulted in explosions and nearly complete destruction of the reactor (A Brief History of Nuclear Accidents Worldwide). Fires then broke out on the building, leading to extensive radioactive releases and the destruction of the unit. The accident caused human casualties, and physical damage to the plant, as well as contaminated certain regions. This was and still remains as the worst accident in history of nuclear power production. Thirty-six workers died, and 200,000 Ukraine and Belarus Republics were evacuated and resettled because of the remarkable fallout from the mishap. Ukraine republic, Belarus Republic, Europe, Russia, and Scandinavia were all contaminated, and the recovery efforts continue to be managed by international community. What we gained from this was a compliance of more stricter safety requirements for the nuclear plants operation, construction, and design. Thereof, a great significance has been put to stricter agreements for the nuclear plants basic and technical safety principles. We are still continuing to analyze the safety of the nuclear power plants operation. Also, in case of man made accidents such as this one there was a need for establishing and supporting a high-level national emergency response system.However, we learned that there is a need for more open communication with the public on the safety of nuclear energy.
An opportunity to improve the emergency response system that involves better procedures, necessary equipment, and training for workers was given through this tragic experience. Finally, the incident showcased the need to integrate recommendations internationally in order to assess, respond and monitor nuclear incidents.
An opportunity to improve the emergency response system that involves better procedures, necessary equipment, and training for workers was given through this tragic experience. Finally, the incident showcased the need to integrate recommendations internationally in order to assess, respond and monitor nuclear incidents.