Chernobyl Nuclear Disaster

Where is Chernobyl? Chernobyl is situated in the north of the Ukraine (formerly known as the USSR). Chernobyl is approximately 80 miles north of the capital city.

n In the United States, nuclear power supplies about 15 percent of the electricity overall, but some states get more power from nuclear plants than others. The dome-shaped containment building at the Shearon Harris Nuclear Power Plant near Raleigh, NC

Workers in the control room at this nuclear power plant can keep an eye on the nuclear reactor and take action if something goes wrong.

n Improperly functioning nuclear power plants can create big problems.

n “ Good evening, Comrades. All of you know that there has been an incredible misfortune – the accident at the Chernobyl power plant. It has painfully affected the Soviet people, and shocked the international community. For the first time we confront the real force of nuclear energy, out of control.” n Soviet President Mikail Gorbachav