IAEA: "Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant Shelling, Narrowly Avoided Nuclear Accident"

Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant in Ukraine [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Chun-hee] The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) assessed on the 20th (local time) that the shelling on the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in Ukraine was a hair-trigger situation that narrowly avoided a serious nuclear accident.

According to the IAEA on the 21st (local time), the shelling on the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant the previous day was concentrated within a short period. The IAEA explained that after the first shell fell around 6 p.m. on the 19th, there was a period of quiet, followed by a series of shelling starting at around 9:15 a.m. the next day. More than 12 explosions were heard within 40 minutes, after which it became quiet again.

The shelling damaged various parts of the nuclear power plant facilities. Experts from the IAEA stationed at the Zaporizhzhia plant reported that the radioactive waste storage building, the cooling water reservoir collection system, and the condensate storage tank were damaged by the shelling. Power lines connected to one of the six reactors and bridges connecting the reactors were also damaged.

Despite the shelling, radiation levels around the plant remained normal, and no casualties were reported. However, the IAEA evaluated that although a serious nuclear accident was fortunately avoided, the situation was extremely dangerous.

Rafael Grossi, IAEA Director General, stated in a press release, "I consider it fortunate that a nuclear accident did not occur," adding, "Next time, luck may not be on our side. We must do our best to prevent such incidents from recurring." He expressed concern, saying, "The shelling did not directly affect the nuclear plant's security systems, but it came dangerously close," noting that it was not kilometers (km) but meters (m) away.

Director General Grossi also warned, "Shelling a nuclear power plant is a huge risk and a gamble with many lives." In an interview with France's BFM TV on the 20th, he condemned targeting nuclear plants as "legitimate military targets" as "unbelievable," urging to "stop this madness."

Regarding which side?Russia or Ukraine?carried out the shelling, both parties have pointed fingers at each other, escalating tensions.

IAEA experts plan to inspect the shelling sites within the nuclear plant premises on the 21st to conduct a detailed investigation into the impact of the shelling on the plant's operations.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.