‘Chernobyl is not from the past’
The sacrifices of the victims of the Chernobyl disaster and the ongoing war in Ukraine will be honoured at an event in Cork city this weekend.
Marking the 39th anniversary since the Chernobyl nuclear catastrophe on 26 April 1986, the event takes place in Fitzgerald's Park at 12pm on Saturday.
It is organised by Cork-based humanitarian charity, The Greater Chernobyl Cause.
Poetry, music, songs, and prayers will unite the Cork and Ukrainian communities on the day, followed by a candle lighting ceremony and a roll call of the names of those who perished as a result of the Chernobyl disaster.
A minute’s silence will then be observed prior to the sounding of ‘The Last Post’ and the lowering the flag to half-mast.
Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr Dan Boyle will preside over the ceremony. He will be joined by Larysa Gerasko, Ukraine's ambassador to Ireland.
The commemoration will also be attended by city councillors; representatives from the navy, fire brigade, and defence force; and members of the local Ukrainian communities.
Charity leader Fiona Corcoran said: “We stand in solidarity with our Ukrainian brothers and sisters, who up until three years ago had homes, security, and normal lives. Up until three years ago, people in Ukraine lived normal lives, complete with homes and security.”
Apart from providing much-needed assistance to courageous Ukraine war veterans, the charity also supports orphanages, hospitals, care facilities, and humanitarian aid projects. It also assists Ukrainian refugees living in Ireland who have fled their war-torn native country.
“As always, the empathy and love of the Irish will be evident as we stand with Ukraine in their time of need. We are focussing on the terrible war raging in Ukraine, which is causing people immense suffering,” said Ms Corcoran.
She continued: “This anniversary marks the beginning, not the end, of the Chernobyl catastrophe, which continues to unfold even today.
“Chernobyl is not from the past. One million people who reside in areas affected by the accident are still dealing with its aftermath. They have to cope with the ongoing political, social, environmental and health consequences of the disaster.”
Having recently travelled to Pripyat, just outside the Chernobyl exclusion zone, Ms Corcoran said the area is now a ghost town. While there, she discovered the pencils and jotters used by the children the day before the explosion. She also saw Soviet-era signage still hanging from buildings, and children's dolls and toys on window sills.
Today, some estimates put the number of deaths directly related to the Chernobyl tragedy at more than 100,000. Doctors continue to raise alarm about the high incidence of cancer and blood illnesses among a new generation of young people living on the outside of the exclusion zone.
All are welcome to attend Saturday’s event at Fitzgerald’s Park at 12pm.