November 5, 2024

The Catholic Transcript

Complete News World

United Nations: Chernobyl plant employees work for 13 days without breaks – international

United Nations: Chernobyl plant employees work for 13 days without breaks – international

The nuclear agency and Ukraine’s Interior Ministry said there was an increase in radiation levels at the site after the Russian invasion. (Photo: Sergei Sobinsky/AFP)

About 210 employees of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant in Ukraine have been working non-stop for 13 days since Russia seized the site. According to the International Atomic Energy Agency, the information was provided by the Ukrainians.

Technicians and guards were already working at the factory for a day when the Russians arrived. Ukraine has reported to the United Nations (UN) that these workers have limited access to food, water and medicine.

IAEA Director-General Rafael Mariano Grossi has stated that personnel responsible for operating nuclear facilities need to rest and work regular shifts so as not to jeopardize general nuclear safety.

“I am deeply concerned about the difficult and stressful situation faced by the personnel of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant and the potential risks this poses to nuclear safety. I appeal to the forces in effective control of the site to urgently facilitate the safe rotation of personnel there,” he said.

According to a statement from the UN agency, work related to nuclear materials at the plant has been temporarily suspended. Also, according to the International Atomic Energy Agency, it transmitted data remotely from monitoring systems installed at the station.

Since the Russians took over the factory, there has been Increased local radiation levelsAccording to the nuclear agency and the Ukrainian Interior Ministry. The change is due to the movement of heavy military equipment in the area that can raise radioactive dust into the air.

turn change

A relative of one of the factory workers told the BBC that Russia was ready to allow a shift change. However, it cannot guarantee the safety of workers on their way home or employees who will travel to replace colleagues.

See also  Two Canadian soldiers were killed in a shooting at a luxury resort near Cancun | Globalism

On Sunday, the Russians offered to deliver food, but the Ukrainian workers refused, claiming it was a publicity stunt.

Temporary dormitories were created, with some staff sleeping on camp beds and tables, and others on the floor.

The workers were divided into single-shift shifts, with one group working while the other rested in the factory itself.

* Intern under sub-editor, Eduardo Oliveira