Chernobyl is known as one of the most catastrophic nuclear accidents in history, and its aftermath has been felt for decades. Thirty-five years after the disaster, many people still wonder when the area will become habitable again. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the current state of Chernobyl and the latest estimations on when it will be safe for people to live there again.

How Long Will Chernobyl be Radioactive?

The radioactive contamination from the Chernobyl disaster is expected to remain for at least 20,000 years. The exclusion zone, which was created to restrict access to the most contaminated areas, covers 2,600 km² and includes parts of Ukraine and Belarus. The area is still heavily contaminated, and the levels of radiation are high enough to cause radiation sickness, cancer, and other health problems.

Chernobyl Monsters?

It turns out that things are not at all like in the S.T.A.L.K.E.R. game or in Stephen King’s “Dark Tower” series – radiation did not turn animals into mutants or create new species – at least, not yet (who knows what will happen in the future). Researchers note that certain organs in “local” species function differently than in their relatives in other areas, which could lead to certain evolutionary changes in the future. Today, the “Zone” can boast incredibly clean air, quietness, diversity of flora and fauna, and a complete absence of human impact on its land.

When Will Chernobyl be Habitable?

There is no clear timeline for when the Chernobyl exclusion zone will be safe for people to live in again. According to a report by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), it may take up to 3,000 years for the area to return to its pre-accident radiation levels. However, this doesn’t mean that people will have to wait for that long to move back. It’s likely that a safe level of radiation will be reached in some areas sooner than others.

About 60% of the exclusion zone territory will become habitable for humans in the next 30-60 years, as these lands are already relatively clean today. However, there is no economic feasibility in returning population to the “Zone,” as Northern Ukraine is not suitable for agricultural activities and is six times less populated than other regions. In fact, it was the low productivity of the local lands that led to the choice of this territory for the construction of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant more than half a century ago. Another essential condition for the construction of the nuclear power plant was the presence of a sufficiently large water body nearby, and the Pripyat River was well suited for these purposes.

FAQ:

How much of Chernobyl is still uninhabitable?

The exclusion zone covers 2,600 km², which is approximately 1,000 square miles. While some areas within the zone are less contaminated than others, most of the zone is still uninhabitable.

Is Chernobyl Reactor 4 still burning?

No, the fire at reactor 4 was extinguished within a few days of the explosion. However, the reactor remains highly radioactive and has been sealed in a concrete sarcophagus to prevent further radiation leaks.

Can Chernobyl still explode?

No, the risk of another explosion is low. However, the site is still highly contaminated, and there is a risk of radiation exposure for those who enter the exclusion zone without proper protection.

Is Chernobyl still producing power?

No, the Chernobyl power plant was shut down after the accident, and the remaining reactors were decommissioned in 2000. However, a new solar power plant was built in the exclusion zone in 2018.