Chernobyl

Pripyat Ukraine

Reactor number four had a spike in power output, which led to a series of explosions.

A large structure, known as the "Sarcophagus" was placed over the reactor soon after the incedent.

97% of the dangerous radioactive material (200 tons) remains inside the Sarcophagus.

There is a new Sarcophagus to be completed by 2016, when the 30-year lifespan of the first is over.

The other 3 reactors were all shut down by December, 1999.

Chernobyl is considered the worst human made nuclear disaster ever.

Pripyat is now a ghost town

Residents in the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone

135,000 people were evacuated from the area surrounding Chernobyl immediately.

5 MILLION PEOPLE

The radiatioin caused the Wormwood Forest, now known as the Red Forest to turn a rust red color.

The Red Forest is now a Wildlife Sanctuary.

Many animal species thrive here:

• Wild Boars
• Eviasian Lynx
• Red Deer
• White Tailed Eagle
• Przwalskis Horse
• Wolves

References

• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chernobyl_Exclusion_Zone
• http://www.toptenz.net/10-facts-dont-know-chernobyl.php
• http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120411084107.htm
• http://list25.com/25-facts-you-may-not-know-about-the-chernobyl-accident/3/