MOSCOW: Chief of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Rafael Grossi has said that the situation at Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in Ukraine was “serious” but being stabilized, Western media reported on Thursday.
IAEA Chief Says Situation ‘Serious’ at Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Plant
The UN nuclear chief arrived at the nuclear plant to measure possible safety risks after the destruction of the Kakhovka dam in the region. The dam designed a pool that supplied the cooling water for the nuclear plant. Grossi said that they could see that the situation was serious and the consequences of the dam’s destruction were there. He maintained that at the same time, “measures are being taken to stabilize the situation in the area”.
The UN watchdog chief’s third visit to the nuclear plant came as Kyiv pushed ahead with its long-awaited counteroffensive, with fighting intensifying in the region. Media reported that his trip was delayed by a day.
Rafael Grossi said that visit was “very difficult” but also “solid” and “significant.” He maintained that he was able to see the nuclear plant’s cooling pool. He said that there was sufficient water.
Mr Grossi has held dialogue with both Ukrainian and Russian officials and earlier proposed measures for the nuclear plant’s safety but the initiative has yet to be taken. The UN nuclear chief said that he wished to the international community to be “aware of the danger” that there could be “a major accident.”
He said, “What I expect is the entire world, Ukraine, Russia, and everybody else supports us, to stop that from happening.”
