Why is Chernobyl still radioactive?

A power surge caused a huge explosion at the nuclear plant in Chernobyl, causing the roof of reactor 4 to be blown off in the early hours of 26 April, 1986. Large quantities of radiation were released into the surrounding area, and indeed over much of Europe. Radioactivity in Europe following Chernobyl. read more

The 30th anniversary of the nuclear disaster at Chernobyl is being commemorated in Ukraine. Even now, decades after the meltdown, the impact of the explosion at reactor 4 of the Soviet power plant is still being debated. Indeed, efforts to contain and secure the stricken plant are ongoing. read more

CHERNOBYL, UKRAINE — Tuesday marks the 30th anniversary of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster, when an explosion at the power plant near the town contaminated a wide area and sent radiation clouds across the globe. During the catastrophe, two people died immediately, while 29 more died within weeks. read more

Currently most radioactivity in the Chernobyl zone is from Cesium-137 (ignore the little-used British spelling on Wikipedia) which diminishes to half every 30 years or to a tenth every 100 years. Cesium is chemically almost identical to potassium and plants absorb it from the soil, but do not concentrate it. read more