On April 26, 1986, the Chernobyl nuclear power plant in Ukraine suffered a catastrophic accident that would become the world’s worst nuclear disaster. The explosion and resulting fire sent radioactive material into the atmosphere that spread across Europe, contaminating more than 100,000 square kilometers.
The contamination caused by the fallout from the Chernobyl disaster was so severe that the area around the power plant became known as an “exclusion zone.” This 30-kilometer radius is still off-limits to humans today, but it has become a wildlife refuge for species such as wolves, lynxes, and bears.
But what happened on that fateful day in 1986? Documentaries such as HBO’s acclaimed series Chernobyl illustrate how human errors led to a chain of events that resulted in a devastating explosion. Through interviews with survivors and experts, viewers can learn about how Soviet officials attempted to cover up an even deadlier second wave of radiation and subsequent accidents.
The documentary further examines how the people of Belarus experienced this tragedy and were affected by its aftermath. It delves into stories about individuals who took heroic measures to help contain contamination or bravely sacrificed their lives attempting to save others.
Chernobyl is an emotionally powerful account of one of history’s greatest catastrophes. By combining riveting visuals with moving interviews from those directly involved, it conveys both the horror of what happened at Chernobyl and inspiring tales of resilience in its wake. Watch it today to gain insight into one of mankind’s darkest hours – and be prepared for an emotional rollercoaster ride unlike any other.
