International Chernobyl Disaster Remembrance Day

International Chernobyl Disaster Remembrance Day

International Chernobyl Disaster Remembrance Day remembers the explosion at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant in 1986. A routine shut down was to be conducted however, due to structural errors with the reactor, a surge was created which resulted in one of the world’s largest chemical explosions. The explosion released radiation over many parts of the Soviet Union. According to the United Nations, over 8 million people were exposed to radiation. Today, radiation still threatens surrounding areas and communities. With the help of 45 donor nations and more than $2 billion, a reinforced safety confinement was placed over the old shelter in 2019.

International Chernobyl Disaster Remembrance Day was established in 2016 by the UN General Assembly. It is observed annually on April 26th.

Facts about the Chernobyl disaster

• About 30,000 people were near Chernobyl's reactor when it exploded on April 26, 1986. Those exposed to the radiation are thought to have received about 45 rem which is a unit of radiation dosage. This amount increased the risk of cancer by almost 2 percent.
• As of 2024 about 130-150 people still live in Chernobyl’s exclusion zone. Many of those are women who dedicate to farming, however, children are not allowed to live in this area.
• The explosion at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant spread a radioactive cloud over large parts of the Soviet Union (present day territories of Belarus, Ukraine, and the Russian Federation). According to the UN, nearly 8.4 million people in the three countries were exposed to the radiation.

In the News and Trending in the US for International Chernobyl Disaster Remembrance Day

Top things to do in the US for this observance

• Explore a gallery of photos featuring Chernobyl both during the accident and years later.
• Watch the award winning HBO series Chernobyl to learn more about what happened in 1986 to cause one of the worst man-made catastrophes in history.
• See what Chernobyl looks like today.

References