Travel News

Japan Nuclear Disaster Sparks Rise In Chernobyl Tours

Nuclear Symbol - Chernobyl Tourism Jumps In Wake Of Japan Nuclear DisasterIn light of the ongoing disaster at the Fukushima Dai-Ichi nuclear power plant in Japan, the meltdown in Chernobyl has taken on a new meaning as curious tourists participate in government-sanctioned tours of the nuclear disaster zone.

In January, nearly 25 years after the world’s worst nuclear disaster, the Ukranian government opened up the sealed 30-kilometer radius around the Chernobyl reactor.

Officials maintain that the “dead zone” poses no risks for visitors and that radiation has dropped to normal levels.

Before participating, however, tourists are required to sign a waiver that releases the operator from any potential radiation-related medical issues.

Other Kiev tour operators will take visitors to the reactor and the nearby ghost town of Pripyat, but those have been deemed illegal by the government.

By Sarika Chawla for PeterGreenberg.com.

Related links: DigitalJournal.comTelegraph (UK), USA Today

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