SBS Radio investigates Chernobyl, 25 years on

On 26 April 1986, one of the world’s worst nuclear disasters took place at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant. Large quantities of radioactive contamination were released into the atmosphere over Western Russia and parts of Europe, the result of a catastrophic explosion.

To mark the 25 years since the Chernobyl disaster, next Tuesday, SBS World News Australia Radio will present a special report investigating how the impact of this catastrophe is still being felt today.

The report features unique insight from people who live in the area and explores how they are still dealing with the effects of the disaster, including those who were there when the explosion and associated contamination occurred. With recent events at the Fukushima nuclear plant in Japan bringing back memories of Chernobyl, SBS also reports on the future of nuclear power in light of these disasters.

SBS correspondent in Moscow, Karen Percy, travels to Chernobyl and the surrounding towns, and meets with a couple who have ignored safety advice and moved back into the Chernobyl exclusion zone. In the nearby town of Borodianka, a local community officer reveals how the town is still today experiencing radiation related problems. In an interview with a local doctor, she also learns of the significant number of women who are still experiencing premature births.

Percy also interviews the Chief Sanitary Doctor at Chernobyl who was five years old when the disaster occurred, and was inspired to become a doctor and specialise in radiation to help treat those affected by the disaster.

Locally, reporter Ron Sutton examines how the impact of the catastrophe reaches as far as Australia, investigating how children who were brought from Chernobyl to live here following the catastrophe are doing today, including a family who fostered two children from the area and a man who was involved in the program.

SBS World News Australia Radio’s Chernobyl special report will air Tuesday 26 April, at 6am and 5pm on SBS Radio. Visit www.sbs.com.au/radio for local frequency information.