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AROUND THE WORLD 1: Chernobyl Remembered

Twenty years after the catastrophic explosion at a nuclear plant in the Ukraine, people all over the world are remembering the people who died on that day and those who are still suffering the consequences throughout Europe.

Twenty years have now passed since Nuclear Reactor Number 4 went into meltdown after a series of hydrogen explosions. For a period of ten days, the Ukraine and the countries closest to the Ukraine--such as Russia and Belarus--were covered in radioactive smoke from the burning reactor.

While only 56 people died from the disaster, thousands of Europeans are still suffering from the debilitating effects of the meltdown. Thousands of children have either died or suffered from the horrific side effects of the leak. Side effects include not having arms or suffering from cancer.

Mourners laid red carnations in the shadow of the ruins. Bells tolled at 1:23AM, marking the exact time the reactor exploded on April 26, 1986. Pope Benedict also remembered the victims of the disaster in his prayers.

--Written by Olivia Overman

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