IAEA says loses contact with Chernobyl nuclear data systems

(FILES) This file photograph taken on December 8, 2020 shows a general view of Chernobyl nuclear power plant and giant protective dome built over the sarcophagus of the destroyed fourth reactor. – Ukraine announced on February 24 that Russian forces had captured the Chernobyl nuclear power plant after a “fierce” battle on the first day of the Kremlin’s invasion of its ex-Soviet neighbour. “After the absolutely senseless attack of the Russians in this direction, it is impossible to say that the Chernobyl nuclear power plant is safe. This is one of the most serious threats to Europe today,” said Mykhailo Podolyak, advisor to the chief of the presidential administration. (Photo by GENYA SAVILOV / AFP)

VIENNA, Austria (AFP) – The Chernobyl nuclear power plant is no longer transmitting data to the UN’s atomic watchdog, the agency said Tuesday, as it voiced concern for staff working under Russian guard at the Ukrainian facility.

On February 24, Russia invaded Ukraine and seized the defunct Chernobyl plant, site of a 1986 disaster that killed hundreds and spread radioactive contamination west across Europe.

International Atomic Energy Agency chief Rafael Grossi “indicated that remote data transmission from safeguards monitoring systems installed at the Chornobyl NPP had been lost”, the agency said in a statement.

“The Agency is looking into the status of safeguards monitoring systems in other locations in Ukraine and will provide further information soon,” it said.

The IAEA uses the term “safeguards” to describe technical measures it applies to nuclear material and activities, with the objective of deterring the spread of nuclear weapons through early detection of the misuse of such material.

More than 200 technical staff and guards remain trapped at the site, working 13 days straight since the Russian takeover.

The situation for the staff “was worsening” at the site, the IAEA said, citing the Ukrainian nuclear regulator.

The defunct plant sits inside an exclusion zone that houses decommissioned reactors as well as radioactive waste facilities.

More than 2,000 staff still work at the plant as it requires constant management to prevent another nuclear disaster.

A picture taken on April 13, 2021 shows the giant protective dome built over the sarcophagus covering the destroyed fourth reactor of the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant ahead of the upcoming 35th anniversary of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster. (Photo by Sergei SUPINSKY / AFP)

The UN agency called on Russia to allow workers to rotate because rest and regular shifts were crucial to the site’s safety.

“I’m deeply concerned about the difficult and stressful situation facing staff at the Chornobyl nuclear power plant and the potential risks this entails for nuclear safety,” said Grossi.

“I call on the forces in effective control of the site to urgently facilitate the safe rotation of personnel there.”

With remote data transmission cut off and the Ukrainian regulator only able to contact the plant by email, Grossi reiterated his offer to travel to the site or elsewhere to secure “the commitment to the safety and security” of Ukraine’s power plants from all parties.

Russia also attacked and seized Europe’s largest atomic power plant, Zaporizhzhia, last week, drawing accusations of “nuclear terror” from Kyiv.

This screen grab taken on March 4, 2022 from a footage of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear authority shows a wide view of the Ukrainian nuclear plant during attack with shell fire by Russian forces. – Western leaders had expressed horror Friday after the Zaporizhzhia plant in southern Ukraine was attacked with shell fire and taken over by invading Russian forces. (Photo by various sources / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE – MANDATORY CREDIT “AFP PHOTO /UKRAINIAN NUCLEAR AUTHORITIES ” – NO MARKETING – NO ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS – DISTRIBUTED AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS

Zaporizhzhia alone has six reactors of a more modern, safer design than the one that melted down at Chernobyl.

The IAEA said two of those were still operating, the plant’s personnel were working in shifts and radiation levels remained stable.

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