Sunday, December 07, 2008
Chernobyl
BEFORE YOU PRESS PLAY: This is wildly off-topic and just posted here because (a) I didn't have a gaming-related post today and (b) the Chernobyl meltdown has been my personal "learn about something new" topic for the last coupla weeks.
This video depicts material filmed by one Vladimir Shevchenko during the period immediately following the disaster at the Chernobyl nuclear reactor in April 1986. It includes footage of Chernobyl liquidators and "biorobots" working to clear wreckage from around the reactor, and digging holes under the reactor which were to be filled with concrete. The majority of these people subsequently died of radiation-related conditions. Shevchenko himself also died as a result of the radiation. His camera was so badly irradiated it had to be buried with him. The video also catches on film the crash of one of the helicopters which were dumping material into the reactor.
The video does not contain any disturbing images per se but given the historical context it may not be suitable for all viewers. If you're up for it, though, it's compelling viewing. If the text is too shrunk when viewed through my blog you can see it in widescreen over at YouTube.
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2 comments:
I personally visited the Chernobyl area for two days in June 2006 with a friend who is a former resident of Pripyat. We toured the Chernobyl Plant (including the Reactor 4 control room), several of the abandoned villages, and Pripyat. I have posted a photo journal of my trip at:
My Journey to Chernobyl: 20 Years After the Disaster
On my website you can also find a recently published interview I did with a former liquidator.
Thank you Mark! Comment and link much appreciated.
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