A radioactive cloud in case of a severe accident at the Zaporizhzhya nuclear power plant will cover part of southern Ukraine and southwestern regions of Russia, according to the wind direction on Monday, 29 August, Ukraine's atomic energy company Energoatom has said.
It noted that in case of an accident at one of the ZNPP power units, the radiation cloud will move downwind to the south-east towards Russia, according to a forecast for 29 August made by the State Nuclear Regulation Inspectorate.
The population in the potentially hazardous territories is advised to take iodine prophylaxis and limit its presence in the open air without acute need, and in case of its occurrence to use protective equipment for respiratory organs.
It is also recommended to seal the premises (windows, doors), turn off air conditioners, fans, close ventilation openings, chimneys, etc.; introduce special operating regimes for schools and kindergartens, organize sanitary barriers at entrances to premises, including removal of outer clothing and re-shoeing.
In addition, in potentially hazardous areas, it is recommended to take measures to seal and pack food, water, linen, documents and valuables, limit forest use and respect the ban on hunting and fishing in local water bodies.
Decontamination of areas, as well as the imposition of special restrictions on vehicles driving on roads without hard surfaces, have been recommended to prevent pollination in open areas.
Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said that the Russian military should leave the territory of the Zaporizhzhya nuclear power plant as soon as possible because their stay at the plant endangers the entire continent.
The IAEA has already set up a mission to arrive at the Zaporizhzhya nuclear power plant next week.