Although there were mass evacuations after the accident, the immediate area was never fully emptied of people, and it never could be. on Apwhen an explosion ripped through Reactor Number Four of the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant, just 11 miles from the town. This parable has become a symbol for the Chernobyl nuclear disaster, which began at 1:24 a.m. Right: Reunions bring out many emotions, especially during the spring when people return to Chernobyl to mark the anniversary of the disaster.
