Climbers access the Chernobyl shelter for firefighting: Emergency Services discuss smoldering and radiation levels (video).

Due to the strike on Chernobyl by the Russian Shahed kamikaze drone, there are still smoldering sources beneath the shell. Roofers are working at the "Shelter" site, dismantling the protective structure and extinguishing the fire. The State Emergency Service reported on the aftermath of the attack by the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation on the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant and the radiation background.

The SES report on the situation at Chernobyl was released at 1 PM on February 17. The service noted that for the fourth consecutive day, hotspots emitting smoke have been found at the "Shelter" site. Three teams of roofers are working on the structure, removing the upper layer and searching for smoldering points in the insulation. To date, three such points have been identified, according to the report.

Rescuers indicated that they are monitoring air quality using a drone equipped with a thermal imager. According to monitoring data, the radiation background at the Chernobyl industrial site is within normal limits, the SES assured.

"Currently, three teams of roofers are partially uncovering the shelter structures and extinguishing three smoldering hotspots in the roof insulation. The situation is fully under control," the rescue service explained.

In photos and videos from the scene, roofers can be seen examining the condition of the Chernobyl shell, identifying fire spots, dismantling the shell from which smoke is rising, and neutralizing the danger.

The KCCA portal provides current measurements of the radiation background. As of February 17, the readings in the capital are within the norm: from 0.096 μSv/h in the Svyatoshyn district to 0.111 μSv/h in the Shevchenkivskyi district. The maximum permissible norm is 0.3 μSv/h, as explained on the dashboard. The readings in Chernobyl are also within normal limits, as indicated on SaveEcoBot.

Strike on Chernobyl — Details

It is worth noting that on the night of February 14, the Russian Armed Forces launched 133 strike drones across Ukraine, threatening 12 regions. Among other things, the drones reached the north of Kyiv region and hit the shelter of the 4th reactor at Chernobyl, President Volodymyr Zelensky stated. Emergency Situations Minister Ihor Klymenko reported that rescuers are working at the strike site, extinguishing the fire at the shell.

Meanwhile, energy expert Olha Kosharnaya explained that the Russians struck an area that is somewhat removed from the dangerous power unit. According to her, since the accident at the plant, there have been 200 tons of nuclear fuel that is gradually turning to dust. The Russian Armed Forces drone penetrated the double shell that protected the inner protective layer from condensing water vapor but did not damage the protection of the fourth unit.

The chief engineer of Chernobyl made a statement about the threatening situation at the Chernobyl station. He stated that if the "Shahed" had struck 15-20 meters to the side, a radiation leak could have occurred.

We remind you that on February 16, the IAEA reported on smoldering at Chernobyl and the smell of burnt plastic rising from the shelter. Meanwhile, the SBU showcased the remnants of the Russian drone that struck the Chernobyl station.