This weekend, when the fire at the Zaporizhia nuclear facility in Ukraine became known, horror scenarios were circulating about what the world would expect if an explosion or leak occurred there. Arab surfers even showed that the damage could reach as far as the Middle East, including Israel (see photo).

Scientists interviewed on the subject are actually less stressed. Michael Black of Imperial College London explains that the facility in Zaporizhia is considered modern and much safer than Chernobyl. He says it is protected by a thick layer of reinforced concrete and there are also backup systems for safety. He claims that even if a rocket hits the structure, no such damage will be caused that it will cause a leak.

Cheryl Roper, an American nuclear scientist, believes that the scenario of a radioactive leak from Chernobyl is also imaginary because this reactor is covered with thick layers (over 60 m) of protective concrete and steel.

Indeed scientists warn that every reactor includes pools of water to cool used fuel rods. Damage to one of the pools can lead to a fire and then through the winds a radioactive effect will be created on residents in nearby areas. Another concern is that the operation of one of the miners will be abruptly stopped and then a catastrophe could occur as happened in Fukushima in Japan.