Ten to 15 of my childhood friends from Minsk died of cancer. Chernobyl kills.
Svetlana Alexievich
The nuclear disaster that took place in Chernobyl has affected the lives of many people all over Europe to this day. The affected areas of the Chernobyl Disaster are said to last at least 150 years before proper inhabitation can come again.
This disaster is noted as being one of the most severe and dangerous in human history, and the UN decided that there should be a holiday made to observe the history of what happened.
Read more to learn about the history of International Chernobyl Remembrance Day and see how you can participate in this observance.
How to Observe International Chernobyl Remembrance Day
Learn More About the Event
If you want to observe this holiday, you can start by researching the event itself so you can understand what happened during the Chernobyl Disaster.
Light a Remembrance Candle
Take the time to light a candle for those who are still affected by the radiation effects of the disaster.
Listen to Speeches
Tune into a live broadcast of speeches made by representatives at the UN Inter-Agency Task Force who aim to help reduce the results of the disaster.
Share with Others
Lastly, share this holiday on social media using the hashtag #chernobyldisasterday and let everyone know why it’s important to remember this day.
History of International Chernobyl Disaster Remembrance Day
The Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant was built to help make electricity for the infrastructure of the Soviet Union, or in modern-day terms, Pripyat, Ukraine, to develop economic growth. Construction started in 1972, with the plant finally entering into commercial operation in 1978.
In 1982 the nuclear plant experienced a partial meltdown of Reactor No. 1, which caused some damage and took a few months to repair. However, this initial accident wasn’t reported until the Chernobyl Disaster, four years later.
On April 26, 1986, a power surge that caused core explosions and open fires led to significant radiation leakage to disperse into the atmosphere and surrounding lands. Large areas of Europe were affected by this event as the radiation spread as far as Norway.
Although the incident caused the plant to be shut down, the effects of this accident led to long-lasting, damaging consequences. The main danger that caused radiation exposure to over 8.4 million people was due to air pollution.
Communication about the incident itself was delayed and hidden in many parts; hence communication between officials and residents of neighboring towns was unclear, causing many to be affected by radiation from effects such as lethal rain and contaminated water.
Many more died from the attempted cleanup than the incident itself, and many today have birth defects that result from this impending disaster. The UN, as a result, created multiple initiatives and developmental approaches to help control this issue.
International Chernobyl Disaster Remembrance Day was founded by the United Nations General Assembly in 2016 to teach people about the history of this incident, observe the consequences of what happened, and prevent future events from happening again.
International Chernobyl Disaster Remembrance Day FAQs
You may also like
International Day Against Nuclear Tests
The International Day against Nuclear Tests is a powerful reminder of the urgent need to eliminate nuclear testing worldwide. This observance indicates the devastating effects of nuclear explosions on people and the environment. It is a call to action for global leaders and citizens alike to work toward a world free...
- International
- Kazakhstan
- Russia
- and 1 more
International Day for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Awareness
The International Day for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Awareness is observed on March 5 every year. This special day was created by the United Nations to encourage a broader understanding of disarmament and non-proliferation, especially among young people. Disarmament refers to reducing or eliminating weapons, while non-proliferation aims to prevent the...
- International
- Iran
- Japan
- and 2 more
Nuclear Science Week
Nuclear Science Week invites people of all ages, from all around the globe, to get involved and learn more during this important awareness event! History of Nuclear Science Week Beginning in the late 1800s and developing through the first half of the 20th century, the science of atomic radiation, nuclear fission...
- United States
Disaster Day
No one wants to experience a disaster! But those who are ready and prepared will fare better if it does happen. Being proactive is what the International Day for Disaster Reduction is all about! How to Celebrate Disaster Day An important day for everyone all over the world to take...
- United States
National days and holidays on April 26
London Marathon
The London Marathon is an incredible show of athletic endurance. However, it is also a day of kindness and community spirit. It neatly packages up both the essences of athletic prowess and charitable generosity. This annual event occurs every year near the River Thames - the true heart of London. This...
- United Kingdom
Alien Day
Host a movie marathon, read a graphic novel, or break out the Alien video games to honor Ridley Scott’s iconic and beloved science fiction franchise.
- United States
Global Youth Service Days
Global Youth Service Day gathers young people worldwide to roll up their sleeves and help their communities. It brings together schools, youth groups, and nonprofits to tackle local challenges. Young volunteers work on clean-ups, build things, pack food, or support neighbors in need. This event shows how loud youth voices...
- United States
Lesbian Visibility Week
To build awareness, create safe and healthy work environments, ‘normalize’ relationships, and allow lesbian voices to be heard, Lesbian Visibility Week provides various opportunities to build a society of inclusion. This event works to promote LGBTQIA women along with non-binary people in every field, from every generation, to every country...
- Australia
- Canada
- International
- and 2 more
Seize Every Day
Join free for personalised recommendations, email reminders and exclusive guides. Never miss a day.