The shocking Chernobyl disaster occurred nearly four decades ago, but new information about the explosion continues to emerge. In 1986, the No. 4 reactor of the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant in Ukraine experienced a catastrophic blast, releasing deadly levels of radiation into the atmosphere. The impact was felt globally, with Belarus, Russia, and Ukraine bearing the brunt of the aftermath.
The immediate explosion led to the tragic deaths of around 30 individuals due to blast trauma. However, further studies have shown that thousands of people succumbed to radiation exposure in the years following the incident. While some areas surrounding Chernobyl are still hazardous today, it is remarkable to think about the workers who ventured into the reactor only months after the catastrophe, unaware of the dangers they were facing.
Eight months later, workers entered the No.4 reactor and made a haunting discovery – a black, lava-like substance flowing from the core. This eerie mass, now known as the ‘Elephant’s Foot’, earned its name due to its resemblance to the foot of a large mammal. Experts believe it predominantly consists of corium, a rare material that has occurred naturally only five times in history.
Corium can be described as a viscous, blackish-oxide material that resembles molten glass as it cools down. It is highly dangerous, and being in proximity to it can be lethal. Resurfaced video footage has caught the attention of social media, showing researchers in Hazmat suits near the ‘Elephant’s Foot’. In 1986, the radiation levels near the foot were measured at a staggering 10,000 roentgens per hour. To put this into perspective, exposure to just 50-100 roentgens is enough to cause radiation sickness.
The implications of being near the ‘Elephant’s Foot’ are terrifying. 30 seconds of exposure can lead to cell hemorrhage, four minutes can induce vomiting, diarrhea, and fever, while five minutes (300 seconds) of being in close proximity to the lethal object can result in death within two days.
Astonishingly, even after nearly 40 years, the ‘Elephant’s Foot’ remains highly radioactive and is estimated to remain dangerous for tens of thousands of years. The enduring threat it poses serves as a reminder of the long-lasting impact of the Chernobyl disaster.
