We're coming up on the 20th anniversary of the worst accident in the history of nuclear power. On April 26, 1986, reactor 4 of the Chernobyl power plant experienced a series of explosions leading to a catastrophic meltdown. More than 300,000 people were forced to resettle in other areas. Some, however, chose to ignore the warnings and returned to their homes in contaminated areas. Estimates vary wildly- I've found numbers ranging from 337 people to "millions", perhaps depending on the size of the area considered affected. Most reports seem to agree that the vast majority of those who have returned are elderly, and not fully aware of the harmful effects of radiation. Halyna Yavchenko, who lives only 20 km east of Chernobyl, says "Radiation, who has seen it?" “I was born here and I will die here", says Maria Sharapenko, 82, of nearby Illintsi.
The Resurrection-Chernobyl 20 years on
Villagers In Chornobyl Exclusion Zone Feel Deep Connection To Land, Dismiss Dangers
People return to radioactive homes (1999)
The anniversary is being observed in many ways around the world: Chernobyl.info, "the internation communications platform on the longterm consequences of the Chernobyl disaster", has an extensive list of events occurring worldwide throughout the month and beyond. Helter Shelter has no official commemorative ceremonies planned as of this writing.
