The atomic power station was built three kilometers from Pripyat, a city of population 50,000. A day after the fourth reactor exploded, state authorities evacuated the entire city populace unaware at the time they would never return again. Many were re-settled around the Soviet Union or in new urban communities. Known as liquidators, civil and military personnel were drafted to the area to deal with the consequences of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster. It is estimated that between 600,000 to 800,000 played a role in the clean-up operation. Exposed to radiation many thousands now face on-going health issues.
