Where time stands still. Photo report from Chernobyl zone
26.04.201812:33
What is the compulsory evacuation zone look like 32 years after the Chernobyl tragedy? A Belsat journalist shows the story of the village of Arevichy (Khoyniki disctrict, Homiel region) in pictures.
People settled this land in the Neolithic era, which is proved by archaeological finds. After the disaster, one can visit the village only once a year, on the Day of Rejoicing (Radaunitsa). In other cases, a special permit is needed.Arevichy is situated on the picturesque bank of the river, just 25 km from the ‘ghost’ town of Pripyat.
On May 5, 1986, the locals were ordered to take only documents and valuables and leave their homes, which came as a shocking drama for them.In the 60s, there were about one thousand residents, a school, a community center, an office, a shop, collective farms Communard and Victory of Socialism.Near a bas-relief of Lenin, dosimeter readings exceeded the safety limits sixfold, at the cemetery – by eight times.Local schoolchildren were taught to be proud of their native places and heroes. For example, during the Second World War, 14 Nazi ships were destroyed not far from Arevichy.Arevichy school“May the story of the Great leader be an example for you”Marx and Lenin in Arevichy schoolSome of former Arevichy residents take their children to their school on RadaunitsaA Soviet flagA small boy in the deserted schoolPropaganda posters
Not knowing about the explosion, locals spent 9 days in the polluted zoneAfter the accident. many people suffered from thyroid cancer
