As the worries of an accident occurring at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant due to recent shelling around the area, multiple government officials have called for the demilitarization of the area. Ukraine and Russia have traded accusations as to who is responsible for the growing concern, but at the end of the day, some agreement must be agreed upon soon. According to Energoatom, in the event that something were to happen which would cause a fallout at the plant, the nuclear cloud would span all the way to the southwestern regions of Russia.

Using the August 29th forecast weather, the experts at Energoatom and the State Nuclear Regulatory Inspectorate predicted the radiation cloud’s movement and potential coverage throughout both Ukraine and Russia. Experts from both agencies also stated that citizens in potentially dangerous areas, if the event were to occur, should carry out iodine prophylaxis and limit their stay in open areas when there is no urgent need. Respiratory protection has also been suggested.

Multiple other cautions have been given by the agencies such as:

• Sealing premises, turning off air conditioning and fans, closing ventilation ducts, chimneys, etc.

• Special modes of operation of schools and kindergartens

• Organizing sanitary barriers at the entrances of places

• Removing outer clothing and changing shoes when entering indoors

• Seal and pack food, water, linen, documents, and valuables to limit use and not violate safety

On Friday, the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant was completely disconnected from the Ukrainian power grid. This was the first time in history and Dmytro Orlov, the Energodar Mayor, said that it occurred after the shelling of the area. After this, the IAEA reported connections had been restored. Two power units are currently operating out of six.