A protective shield covering the Chernobyl nuclear reactor in Ukraine can no longer provide its main containment function following a drone strike earlier this year, according to a UN watchdog.
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) inspectors found that the massive structure, built over the site of the 1986 nuclear disaster, had lost its primary safety functions including the confinement capability.
In February, Ukraine accused Russia of targeting the power plant - a claim the Kremlin denied.
The IAEA stated repairs were essential to prevent further degradation of the nuclear shelter. However, environmental expert Jim Smith told the BBC: It is not something to panic about.
Professor Smith from the University of Portsmouth, who has studied the aftermath of the Chernobyl disaster, noted that the most significant danger related to the site is disturbing radioactive dust. He indicated that the risk is low as contaminated dust remains contained within a thick concrete sarcophagus under the protective shield.
The 1986 explosion at Chernobyl released radioactive materials into the atmosphere, prompting a public health emergency across Europe. In response, the former Soviet Union built a sarcophagus over the nuclear reactor.
However, this sarcophagus had a lifespan of just 30 years, necessitating the construction of a protective shell to prevent radioactive material from leaking over the next 100 years.
The IAEA's assessment team completed their inspection of the site last week after it suffered severe damage from the drone strike, which sparked a fire in the steel structure's outer cladding.
Inspectors noted no permanent damage to the shell's load-bearing structures or monitoring systems, and some repairs had already been made to the roof. Nevertheless, IAEA director general Rafael Grossi emphasized the importance of timely and comprehensive restoration to maintain long-term nuclear safety.
The IAEA has been committed to evaluating Ukraine's energy infrastructure as the country defends itself against ongoing threats from Russia.
Recently, Russia launched airstrikes on Kremenchuk, a central industrial hub in Ukraine.
In addition to Chernobyl, the IAEA is inspecting electrical substations crucial for nuclear safety and security, highlighting their vital role in cooling reactors and distributing electricity to households and industries.
