The UN watchdog revealed that the Chernobyl nuclear power plant is no longer sending data to the organization. Worry and concern for over 200 technical staff and guards trapped in the plant are rising.
Chernobyl Nuclear power plant stops sending data to UN watchdog
On Tuesday, the UN nuclear watchdog revealed that the Chernobyl nuclear power plant stopped sending data. The agency also expressed concern for the staff working for over 13 days since the Russians took over. It is “indicated that remote data transmission from safeguards monitoring systems installed at the Chernobyl NPP had been lost,” stated Rafael Grossi. Grossi is the chief of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). According to the agency, the condition of the trapped staff is worsening. Over 200 technical and security staff are reported to be trapped under Russian control.
“The Agency is looking into the status of safeguards monitoring systems in other locations in Ukraine and will provide further information soon,” promised the statement. The safeguards are technical measures used for regulating nuclear activities and materials. They are also aiming to reduce the spread of nuclear weapons by detecting their misuse early on. On February 24, Russia seized the power plant. The site of a horrible disaster that killed hundreds and spread radioactive contamination halfway across the world is still radioactive.
More on the workers and their condition
The plant is located inside an exclusion zone with several decommissioned reactors. It also contains a radioactive waste facility. Over 2,000 staff are employed for managing and preventing another nuclear accident. Experts are urging the Russian authorities to allow workers to rotate shits since it is vital for maintaining safety. “I’m deeply concerned about the difficult and stressful situation facing staff at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant and the potential risks this entails for nuclear safety,” stated Grossi. “I call on the forces in effective control of the site to urgently facilitate the safe rotation of personnel there,” he added.
Unfortunately, the Ukrainian regulator was only successful in contacting the plant via emails. Grossi also revealed his offer of traveling to the plant or another location for securing the commitment to safety and security” from all parties.