About Chernobyl

The world’s most devastating nuclear disaster

On April 26, 1986, a sudden power surge at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant triggered a series of explosions, resulting in the biggest nuclear disaster in world history. The first of the explosions blew a 1,000-ton roof off one of the reactors as though it was the lid of a saucepan, and a second, bigger explosion disintegrated the reactor core.

The fire burned for 10 full days and released 190 tons of radioactive materials into the environment.Twenty-five years have passes since the world sat riveting in front of television screens, watching the horror unfold. Over time, Chernobyl has faded to become a distant memory for most of us—something that happened a long time ago and no longer has power or relevance.

But the truth is different.

Chernobyl still has the power to harm

Chernobyl continues to devastate the health and the economies of communities of Belarus, Western Russia and Ukraine.

The United Nations estimates that an area of approximately 150,000 square miles has been contaminated, with 70 percent of the radiation falling on the population of Belarus. Between the stricken regions of Belarus, western Russia and Northern Ukraine, the UN estimates that the fallout has directly and indirectly affected as many as seven million people, with children being most vulnerable to the deadly effects of radiation and inadequate medical treatment.

A new generation struggles to live in the shadow of Chernobyl

A new generation has been born into the most toxic environment in the world, and they are paying the price with their fragile bodies. Birth defects have increased by 200 percent in affected areas, and congenital deformities have increased by 250 percent. Chernobyl’s children carry genetic markers whose long-term effects no one can predict, and the consequences of ongoing radioactive contamination will not be fully seen for another 50 years.

Don’t let the world forget these children

On the 25th anniversary of the disaster, please join us in keeping hope alive for the children of Chernobyl. Don’t let their story be forgotten, and their plight ignored. Learn about the nuclear meltdown and how it continues to affect the lives of a new generation. Read the stories of people who lived through the meltdown—and the stories of those who continue to live with its awful legacy. Find out what compassionate and dedicated volunteers are doing to bring hope to dying communities. And discover what you can do to make a difference.

To learn more about CCI and the facts and figures relating to Chernobyl, 25 years on, please click on the links below:

• Chernobyl25 - Impact of Chernobyl - Facts & Figures
• 25th Anniversary Programme Overview