Chernobyl to Get New Protective Covering

The meltdown of the fourth reactor at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant in Ukraine on April 26, 1986 caused a huge, deadly environmental disaster. At the time, the Soviets quickly covered the remnants of reactor four with a concrete and iron covering to prevent further radioactive contamination. Unfortunately, over the past 22 years, this covering has deteriorated to the point that there are large cracks and radiation seepage.

From money collected from international donors, a huge project is underway to make the entire Chernobyl area safer. Work has now started to create a huge, metal arch that will contain the radioactive ruins of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant.