Striking images of the Chernobyl disaster

Dmitry Dmitriyev, a radiation exposure inspector in the clean-up operation, during rare minutes of rest. This image was published around the world, becoming a symbol of the clean-up workers’ heavy burden.

The explosion at reactor four scattered radioactive debris in a large area around the unit, especially the roof of neighboring reactor three. The conscripts who had to clean the roof were given the nickname “biorobots.”

Biorobots ran up onto the roof in shifts of 20 to 40 seconds. During this short interval, they had to grab a fragment and throw it back into the mouth of the wrecked fourth reactor.

The situation at the plant was monitored several times a day by helicopter. This image won the World Press Photo award in 1987.

Radiation inspectors in special outfits monitored radiation levels in the fields around the Chernobyl nuclear power plant.

Clean-up workers heading into the contaminated area. From the photo album “Chernobyl: Confession of a Reporter” by Igor Kostin.

Putting their health at risk, clean-up workers spent hours collecting debris and throwing it back into the wrecked reactor, which was later covered with a sarcophagus. Vehicles were covered with lead plates to provide some protection from the radiation. One of the clean-up workers wrote his wife’s name on his vehicle. “It’s easier for me to go to my death with this name,” he said.

The wreckage of reactor four at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant viewed from the roof of reactor three. From the photo album “Chernobyl: Confession of a Reporter” by Igor Kostin.

Treating victims of radiation poisoning. From the photo album “Chernobyl: Confession of a Reporter” by Igor Kostin.

People who refused to leave the so-called exclusion zone around Chernobyl were referred to as “self-settlers.” From the photo album “Chernobyl: Confession of a Reporter” by Igor Kostin.