Reflecting on Chernobyl: A Liquidator's Story 40 Years Later
Halyna Kharshenko shares her harrowing experience at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant, recalling the chaos and danger following the 1986 explosion.
Halyna Kharshenko, who began her work at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant unaware of the impending disaster, has recounted her experiences from that fateful day in 1986.
The catastrophic explosion on April 26, 1986, led to severe radiation exposure, resulting in health risks for many, including Kharshenko, who was hospitalized the day after the incident.
As we mark 40 years since one of the worst nuclear disasters in history, the memories of those who served as 'liquidators' continue to resonate, highlighting the ongoing impact of the tragedy.
Updates
Update at 22:27 UTC on 2026-04-26
Le Monde reported In the days following the explosion at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant on April 26, 1986, more than 30,000 Kazakhs were sent to the Ukrainian site to help with the cleanup. Those who survived the radiation are finding it increasingly diff.
Sources: Le Monde