The Ukrainian nuclear power company "Energoatom" warns that there is a high probability that radiation levels in the area around Chernobyl in Ukraine could increase dramatically and go undetected, as the radiation monitoring system and the forest fire-fighting service are not functioning in the area.
After the 24 February invasion, Russian forces took control of the territory around the plant, where the world's worst nuclear accident occurred in 1986. As a result, the system for monitoring radiation levels in the 30-kilometer exclusion zone in the forests around the plant is currently not functioning, Energoatom said in its statement. Melina Menelau, coordinator of the Committee of the Ecological Citizens' Movement against nuclear power, says:
"Russia's invasion of Ukraine and Russia's complete control of the Chernobyl site reminds us of the horror that all of Europe experienced after the Chernobyl nuclear accident in April 1986. Systems for monitoring radiation levels are critical tools for early warning in the event of an accident and leakage. We express our strong concern about the collapse of early warning systems both for Ukraine, but also for neighbouring countries, recalling that radioactivity cannot be contained.
As the Movement of Ecologists - Citizens' Partnership we reiterate our position for denuclearisation in our region and beyond. Now, more than ever before, it is imperative to intensify diplomatic pressure to cancel Turkey's intentions to build a nuclear power plant at Akkougyu, opposite Kyrenia."
Contents of this article including associated images are belongs Cyprus Times
Views & opinions expressed are those of the author and/or Cyprus Times
Source
