A PROTECTIVE dome that prevents radiation from escaping Chernobyl is at risk of collapsing after being struck by a Russian drone.
The director of the defunct nuclear power plant has expressed concerns that the shelter may completely fall down.
A significant hole was created in the protective shield of Chernobyl reactor four in FebruaryCredit: APA Ukrainian official warned that another strike from Russia could lead to the entire structure's collapseCredit: Getty
Chernobyl director Sergiy Tarakanov stated that another Russian hit could potentially knock down the inner protective shell.
Tarakanov commented: “If a missile or drone strikes it directly, or even lands nearby, for instance, an Iskander, God forbid, it will cause a mini-earthquake in the area.
“No one can assure that the shelter facility will remain intact after that. That is the primary threat.”
The shelter was constructed to contain radiation from reactor four, which exploded in 1986, resulting in the world's worst nuclear meltdown.
However, a Russian drone strike impacted the dome on February 14 this year, causing significant damage.
The attack created a hole in the radiation shield, raising concerns about a potential radiation leak.
Director Tarakanov warned that completely rebuilding the shelter could take three to four years.
The hole from the drone strike has been covered with a protective layer, according to him.
However, the plant director cautioned that there are still 300 smaller holes in the shelter, created by firefighters as they battled the blaze.
Tarakanov added that current radiation levels at the site are “stable and within normal limits.”
This comes after concerns were raised at the site.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) indicated that the protective cover had “lost its primary safety functions.”
The February strike created a hole in the dome, prompting a warning from the IAEA.
Rafael Grossi, IAEA director general, mentioned that some repairs had been made “but comprehensive restoration is crucial to prevent further deterioration and ensure long-term nuclear safety.”
The UN stated in February that there had been no reports of radiation leaks and that levels remained stable and normal.
The shelter was designed to arch over a concrete sarcophagus, further sealing off radiation and allowing for the safe dismantling of the reactor beneath.
It also functions as a containment zone to trap radioactive dust, utilizing negative pressure and a sealed membrane.
However, the outer shelter was never intended to withstand the impact of a severe Russian attack.
Artem Siryi, a Ukrainian government official overseeing Chernobyl’s shelter, told The Sun: “This project was never designed to withstand a direct military strike. We had to devise solutions on the fly.”
He added: “We were fortunate that the strike did not hit the concrete shelter structure that contains the radiation.
“If it had landed in a different location, it could have compromised the concrete sarcophagus surrounding the reactor. Then we would be facing a very different scenario.”
300 smaller holes were created in the shelter as firefighters battled the blaze in FebruaryCredit: East2West
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What happened to the protective dome at Chernobyl?
The protective dome was struck by a Russian drone, creating a significant hole and raising concerns about potential radiation leaks.
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A significant hole was created in the protective shield of Chernobyl reactor four in FebruaryCredit: AP
A Ukrainian official warned that another strike from Russia could lead to the entire structure's collapseCredit: Getty
300 smaller holes were created in the shelter as firefighters battled the blaze in FebruaryCredit: East2West
