Chernobyl: 24 Years Later
The 1986 explosion of the fourth reactor at the plant in Ukraine spread radiation over much of Europe, forcing evacuation of swaths of countryside.
Thirty-one people died of radiation illnesses in the first two months after the blast, and there is debate over how many eventually will fall victim.
Ukraine's president warned Monday on the anniversary of the world's worst atomic accident that the Chernobyl nuclear reactor remains a serious threat to Europe. The 1986 reactor explosion sent a cloud of radiation over much of Europe and severe health problems persist a quarter-century later.
Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych says some 2 million people suffer illnesses caused by the radiation.
Hundreds of people came to Mitino cemetery, where those who died in the Chernobyl catastrophe are buried, to pay tribute to loved ones who perished in the world's worst nuclear accident 24 years ago.
Ukraine's president warned Monday on the anniversary of the world's worst atomic accident that the Chernobyl nuclear reactor remains a serious threat to Europe. The 1986 reactor explosion sent a cloud of radiation over much of Europe and severe health problems persist a quarter-century later.
Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych says some 2 million people suffer illnesses caused by the radiation.
Hundreds of people came to Mitino cemetery, where those who died in the Chernobyl catastrophe are buried, to pay tribute to loved ones who perished in the world's worst nuclear accident 24 years ago.
The 1986 explosion of the fourth reactor at the plant in Ukraine spread radiation over much of Europe, forcing evacuation of swaths of countryside. Thirty-one people died of radiation illnesses in the first two months after the blast, and there is debate over how many eventually will fall victim.
According to the organization, some 120,000 demonstrators staged a human chain along the Elbe River passing the nuclear power plants in Brunsbuettel, Brokdorf and Kruemmel in Geesthacht. The action commemorates the 24th anniversary of the Chernobyl nuclear reactor disaster on April 26, 1986. Banner reads "Nuclear power? - No, thanks".
In Minsk's heavily policed central square, about 2,000 demonstrators held aloft opposition flags bearing slogans such as "Dictatorship is like another Chernobyl," and "You cannot stop radiation with decrees."