Day of Memory of victims of radiation accidents and catastrophes
The Day of Memory of victims of radiation accidents and catastrophes is celebrated in Russia on April 26. On this day in 1986, the largest man-made disaster of the 20th century occurred – an explosion at the fourth power unit of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant, as a result of which a large amount of radioactive substances entered the environment. This caused serious damage to the health of people exposed to radiation, causing long-term social and economic damage.
✔ The consequences of the accident keep affecting the ecological situation in several countries. Unfortunately, this accident was not the last one. The United Nations has also proclaimed April 26 as the International Day of Memory of Victims of Radiation Accidents and Catastrophes.
The scale of this and other tragedies associated with the release of nuclear technology out of control could have been greater if not for the courage and dedication of the liquidators. More than half a million people took part in the elimination of the consequences of Chernobyl, many of whom sacrificed their lives and health. On the eve of the anniversary of the tragedy, we honor all those who participated in the elimination of the consequences of radiation disasters, and express our deepest gratitude for their feat.
Text: Tatiana Petrova