President Vahagn Khachaturyan received Representatives of the “Chernobyl Union of Armenia”

President of the Republic Vahagn Khachaturyan received representatives of the public organization “Chernobyl Union of Armenia” on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the Chernobyl disaster.

The disaster that occurred in 1986 is considered one of the largest man-made catastrophes in human history. During the first weeks following the accident, 31 liquidators died from radiation sickness, hundreds of thousands of people were exposed to radiation, and its long-term consequences continue to this day, affecting both human health and the environment.

The first reports about the accident appeared only 36 hours later. USSR central television broadcast a brief announcement only four days afterward. Despite the radiation threat, the May 1 demonstration in Kyiv was not canceled, and hundreds of thousands of people participated in it. Moscow officially acknowledged the accident only after international reactions emerged.

Welcoming the guests, the President thanked them for their selfless and humanitarian service during the efforts to eliminate the consequences of the disaster years ago, emphasizing that their contribution played an important role in protecting the lives and health of many people.

In turn, the representatives of the organization expressed gratitude for the reception and presented the activities of the union, noting that it brings together military personnel and civilian workers who participated in the liquidation efforts following the disaster.

They also raised a number of concerns affecting them, mainly related to healthcare, access to medical services, and social support.