The town of Chernobyl was evacuated after the nuclear accident that occurred in 1986. Before the explosion at Reactor 4, around 14,000 people resided in Chernobyl. Today, there are about 500 people, including elderly couples who refused to evacuate and several Exclusion Zone workers who work there (on a very temporary basis) to contain the radioactivity. Although you can still tour parts of the town, the buildings, and items that remain give the place serious ghost town vibes. In some parts, you will still find dismembered dolls and pictures of loved ones.
April 26, 2019 marked the 33rd anniversary of the Chernobyl disaster, and HBO's new TV series has renewed interest. Authorities report a 30% increase in tourist demands, and tourist operators are forecasting that the number of visitors may double up to 150,000 people this year.
If, like most of us, you'd rather click through a gallery of what remains of Chernobyl as opposed to risking being exposed to radiation, here's what you would see on a Chernobyl tour.
Founded in the 12th century, Chernobyl was a small town in northern Ukraine with a population of around 14,000 people before the disaster. It served as the administrative center for the surrounding region.
Following the 1986 disaster, the town of Chernobyl was evacuated within 36 hours due to the high levels of radiation. Residents were given little notice and belongings were left behind.