The catastrophic event at the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant began in the early hours of April 26, 1986, when reactor number four exploded. This disaster, which occurred just four kilometers from the city of Pripyat in what was then the Soviet Union, released vast amounts of radioactive dust into the atmosphere, affecting regions across both hemispheres. The most severely impacted area, covering approximately 260,000 square kilometers across Belarus, Ukraine, and western Russia, is projected to remain contaminated for around 20,000 years.
Photographer Pierpaolo Mittica has dedicated much of his work to documenting Chornobyl, having visited the site over 25 times since his first trip in 2002. He gained special access to the Control Room No. 4, the very room where the disaster began, long before it was opened to tourists. Mittica describes the experience as being “inside history,” emphasizing the profound feeling of standing in a place where such a significant event unfolded.
In the aftermath of the explosion, thousands were evacuated from their homes, leaving behind their lives and communities. A 30-kilometer exclusion zone was established around the nuclear plant, leading to the abandonment of Pripyat, which once housed 50,000 residents. Today, around 4,000 workers remain in the exclusion zone, tasked with maintaining safety and security. Mittica notes the presence of military personnel, police, firefighters, and power plant operators, all dedicated to protecting the area.
Mittica’s new book, titled “Chernobyl,” captures the human stories within the exclusion zone. His photographs depict a range of individuals, including official workers, resettlers—known as “samosely”—who chose to return to their homes, and “stalkers,” young adventurers who illegally explore the area. The site also holds significance for the Hassidic Jewish community, with many making pilgrimages to the region.
Since the onset of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, access to the exclusion zone has been heavily restricted by Ukraine’s Ministry of Defence. Mittica observes that the once vibrant community of stalkers, pilgrims, tourists, and resettlers has largely vanished. He reflects on how the war has altered the narratives of those who once inhabited the zone, stating that his book serves as a final record of what life was like there before the conflict.
The ongoing plight of the nine million people living in contaminated areas of Belarus, Ukraine, and western Russia remains a pressing concern. Mittica has documented the tragic stories of children who have succumbed to cancers and other radiation-related illnesses. He expresses sorrow over the loss of hope among these children, many of whom are born with severe malformations, a situation that is likely to worsen with each generation.
The overarching message of Mittica’s work is a stark reminder of humanity’s limitations in controlling nature. He argues that the Chornobyl disaster serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of nuclear energy. However, he also highlights the resilience of nature, noting that the exclusion zone has transformed into a de facto wildlife reserve. Animals such as foxes, wolves, bears, and boars have begun to reclaim the land, with dense forests overtaking the streets and squares of Pripyat. Mittica concludes that while humans may be destructive, nature has the capacity to recover over time.
In his book, Mittica includes a series of haunting images that capture the essence of Chornobyl. One photograph shows a souvenir shop that catered to tourists in 2019, a stark contrast to the desolation of the surrounding area. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the exclusion zone attracted around 60,000 to 70,000 tourists annually, providing a vital source of income for the economically depressed region. However, Mittica notes that many visitors were primarily interested in taking selfies in “dangerous” locations rather than engaging with the site’s history.
Another striking image features a group of “stalkers” dancing at sunset in Pripyat. Mittica recounts spending two nights with these young adventurers, who sought freedom in the abandoned city. The photograph captures a moment of joy and liberation, a fleeting escape from the routines of everyday life.
Mittica also shares the story of Ania, a six-year-old girl from a small town near the exclusion zone. Ania suffered from a malignant bone tumor, a tragic consequence of growing up in a contaminated area. Despite her positive spirit and passion for art, her prognosis was grim. Mittica reflects on the uncertainty of her fate, highlighting the ongoing impact of radiation on the lives of those who inhabit the region.
The Hassidic Jewish community’s connection to Chornobyl is illustrated in another photograph, which depicts a pilgrim inside the city’s synagogue. This site, located just 15 kilometers from the power plant, is home to the grave of Rabbi Menachem Nochum Twersky, a significant figure in Hassidic history. The synagogue, once a vibrant place of worship, now stands abandoned, a remnant of the Soviet government’s efforts to suppress religion.
Inside Control Room No. 2, Mittica captures a worker amidst the remnants of the nuclear facility. Although the other reactors were gradually decommissioned, the need for ongoing security and maintenance remains critical. Approximately 2,000 individuals are employed to ensure the safety of the plant until its eventual decommissioning in 2065.
Another poignant image features Pasha, a worker repairing an engine used for ventilation in radioactive scrap metal recycling facilities. This work, while financially lucrative, poses significant health risks as workers are exposed to radioactive particles daily.
As the world reflects on the legacy of Chornobyl, Mittica’s photographs serve as a powerful reminder of the human stories intertwined with this historical tragedy. His work encapsulates the resilience of both people and nature in the face of overwhelming adversity, urging us to remember the lessons learned from the past.
Source: Various sources
