Bia mộ mới của thảm họa nguyên tử Chernobyl November 2016

A giant steel structure has been completed to confine radioactive substances at the site of the nuclear accident in Chernobyl in Ukraine.

A ceremony was held on Tuesday after the arch-shaped shelter entirely covered the existing concrete and metal structure called the "sarcophagus."

The arch -- 108 meters tall and 257 meters wide -- was built with aid from the Group of 7 nations and other members of the international community.

The cost of construction was about 1.6 billion dollars.

Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko expressed gratitude and called for continued support, saying that he hopes the bond between the international community and Ukraine will be maintained.
Japan's Ambassador to Ukraine, Shigeki Sumi, spoke as the representative of the G7.

Sumi said the arch will make the environment of the nuclear accident site safe and stable.

In April 1986, a nuclear reactor exploded during a test run, releasing huge amounts of radioactive materials.

The reactor was later covered by the sarcophagus to contain radioactive substances. But concerns were growing that they would leak from the aging structure.

Those involved in the construction say the arch will be able to keep radioactive materials inside for 100 years.

Workers will continue the difficult task of retrieving melted nuclear fuel from the reactor.

Nguồn: NHK