2023-05-07 09:51:44
Rafael Grossi, the general director of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), is deeply concerned about nuclear safety at the Zaporizhia nuclear power plant in Ukraine. “The situation is becoming increasingly unpredictable and potentially dangerous,” the IAEA chief said in a statement.
“We must act now to avoid the threat of a serious nuclear accident,” he said. “I am extremely concerned about the very real nuclear safety risks.” Grossi wants the nuclear power plant, the largest in Europe, to be protected. Ukraine and Russia must come to an agreement for this.
Evacuaties
The Russian occupiers in the Zaporizhia region announced evacuations on Friday, including in the town of Enerhodar, where most of the nuclear power plant’s staff live.
The IAEA experts on site have information that the announced evacuation has started and also regularly hear explosions in the area. According to Grossi, staff will remain on site, but the situation is nevertheless becoming increasingly tense and challenging for the workers and their families.
Risk
The power station in Zaporizhia was occupied by troops loyal to Moscow shortly after the start of the Russian offensive war some fourteen months ago. The six reactors are now all in shutdown mode for safety reasons.
However, this does not exclude the risk of a nuclear accident. For example, electricity is required from outside to keep the reactors cooled and for other important safety features.
Counteroffensive
IAEA chief Rafael Grossi’s fears have increased in view of the expected Ukrainian counter-offensive to retake its own territory. The Zaporizhia region is considered to be one of the possible regions where fighting will be the most intense.
The evacuation of people from occupied areas has preceded the withdrawal of Russian troops from a region where Ukraine was advancing several times in recent months.
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