Kyiv says Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant operating under risk of fire, radiation
Lviv, Ukraine, Aug 22 (EFE).- The Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, the largest in Europe and under Russian occupation, is operating amid the risk of radiation and fire, Ukraine’s state nuclear agency Energoatom said Monday.
“As of 8:00 on August 22, 2022, the Zaporizhzhia NPP operates with the risk of violating radiation and fire safety standards,” Energoatom said in a statement.
“Periodic shelling of the ZNPP by Russian troops with anti-aircraft missiles caused a serious risk to the safe operation of the plant,” it added.
On August 5, one of the power plant’s three operating units was disconnected as a result of shelling by the Russians, according to the agency.
That attack damaged a nitrogen and oxygen plant and an auxiliary part of the power plant.
“There are still risks of hydrogen leakage and sputtering of radioactive substances, and the risk of fire remains high,” Energoatom pointed out.
It added that three radiation monitoring sensors at the power plant were also damaged after shelling on August 6.
On August 11, Russian troops “fired at the fire department building, located outside the ZNPP perimeter, designed to protect it from fires and extinguish them in case of emergency situations,” Energoatom said.
The 750-kilowatt open switchgear was also damaged two days later, and one of the transitional galleries through which workers pass to the power units was destroyed on August 20, it added.
“The Ukrainian staff of the NPP continues to work their shifts and make every effort to ensure nuclear and radiation safety, as well as eliminate the consequences of damage,” the agency explained.
Russian troops seized the plant on March 4. Since, Russian military personnel and heavy equipment have been stationed there, according to the Ukrainian government.EFE
rml-int/smq/mp
