This isn’t the normal happy, jolly article you have come to expect on VentnorBlog, but some things have more gravity.
A couple of weeks ago, we came across a collection of photos charting the impact of the Chernobyl disaster that took place 25 years ago today – 26th April, 1986.
We thought we’d show them to you, not just because of today’s anniversary, but because if you’re moved by these images – and it would be hard to understand how you wouldn’t be – you can join us at the Chernobyl Vigil in Newport tomorrow evening.
The photographic collection shows children born since, continuing to be affected by the nuclear fallout from the Chernobyl disaster all that time ago.
They are deeply, deeply disturbing.
Only the truly brave will be able to continue to progress through the images displayed. After pressing ‘Play’ a couple of times to watch the subsequent slide shows and listen to the commentary by Paul Fusco, the photographer, we had to stop – finding it too hard to continue.
Can havoc ever be justified?
There’s been a lot of talk in the last five to ten years that Nuclear power is the only option for us to produce electricity – mostly because those ‘in charge’ have continually ignored the obviously declining source of oil and haven’t properly planned to alternative sources of the power that we have come to rely on hour-by-hour.
No need for the electricity that a nuclear power plant could produce will ever justify the havoc that these successive generations of human-beings are being forced to endure on a daily basis.
Chernobyl was man-made disaster. Fukushima, through an unexpected force of nature.
Life changing experience
The photographer described his time there taking photos as, “a life changing experience.” We find it hard to imagine what sort of impact actually seeing these human-being living might do to you.
Before you follow this link, be aware that these images will remain with you long after you walk away from the screen.
See: Chernobyl Legacy by Paul Fusco
Vigil tomorrow night for Chernobyl
Don’t forget that at 7pm Wednesday evening, there’ll be a vigil in St James’ Square in Newport to remember those affected by the nuclear disaster.
All are welcome to join those who wish to share their thoughts.
Image: © Paul Fusco
