A protective shield covering the Chernobyl nuclear reactor in Ukraine can no longer fulfill its main containment function following a drone attack earlier this year, according to a UN watchdog.
Inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) found that the massive structure, built on the site of the 1986 nuclear disaster, had lost its “primary safety functions, including containment capabilities.”
In February, Ukraine accused Russia of attacking the power plant, a claim the Kremlin denied.
The IAEA said the repairs were “essential” to “prevent further degradation” of the nuclear shelter. However, environmental expert Jim Smith told the BBC: “There is no cause for panic.”
Professor Smith of the University of Portsmouth in the UK, who has studied the aftermath of the Chernobyl disaster, said the biggest danger linked to the site was disruptive radioactive dust.
But he said “the risk is low” because the contaminated dust is contained within a thick concrete “sarcophagus” covered by a protective shield.
The Chernobyl explosion in 1986 spewed radioactive material into the air, causing a public health emergency across Europe.
In response, the former Soviet Union built the sarcophagus over the nuclear reactor.
The sarcophagus only had a lifespan of 30 years, creating the need for a protective covering to prevent radioactive material from leaking out for the next 100 years.
The IAEA said a team had completed a security assessment of the site last week after it was “severely damaged” by the drone attack. The attack caused a fire in the exterior cladding of the steel structure.
Inspectors said there was no permanent damage to Shell’s load-bearing structures or monitoring systems and that some roof repairs had been carried out.
But IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi said: “Comprehensive and timely restoration remains essential to prevent further degradation and ensure long-term nuclear safety.”
Since early December, the U.N. nuclear watchdog has been assessing Ukraine’s energy infrastructure as the country continues to defend itself against Russia.
Overnight, Russia launched airstrikes on the city of Kremenchuk, a major industrial hub in central Ukraine.
In addition to assessing Chernobyl, the IAEA has been inspecting electrical substations related to nuclear safety.
Grossi said: “They are absolutely indispensable to provide the electricity that all nuclear power plants need for reactor cooling and other safety systems.
“They are also needed to distribute the electricity they produce to homes and industry.”
