Drone Strike Raises Safety Concerns at Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Plant
Safety at Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant is worsening following a drone strike near the facility, according to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The incident occurred on Saturday and has heightened concerns about the plant’s security.
The drone struck the road between the two main gates of the Zaporizhzhia plant, landing close to the crucial cooling water sprinkler ponds. It was approximately 100 meters from the Dniprovska power line, which is the sole 750-kilovolt line providing power to the plant. The IAEA confirmed that the explosion caused by the drone’s payload did not result in any casualties or damage to nuclear equipment. However, the road between the gates was impacted.
The Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, Europe’s largest nuclear facility, has been under Russian control since March 2022. Although the plant has been shut down, it requires external power to maintain cooling and prevent a potential meltdown.
In the past week, the area around the plant has seen increased military activity, including frequent explosions, heavy machine gun and rifle fire, and artillery. Earlier this week, a significant fire at one of the plant’s cooling towers caused considerable damage, though it did not immediately threaten nuclear safety.
IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi expressed deep concern about the deteriorating safety conditions at the plant. He stressed the need for maximum restraint from all parties and adherence to the established principles for protecting the plant. Grossi highlighted the vulnerability of nuclear facilities in conflict zones and the importance of continued monitoring of the situation.
The IAEA’s visit to the site confirmed the damage from the drone strike but assured that nuclear safety was not compromised at this time. The situation remains under close watch, given the ongoing military activity and recent incidents at the facility. ENDS.
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