The world s worst nuclear power accident occurred on April 26, 1986, and had lasting repercussions in all areas of human life. This book details the events leading up to the Chernobyl nuclear power plant disaster, the causes of the explosion, and the ensuing fallout, both immediate and long-term. The social, economic, and political consequences of the disaster are discussed, and the catastrophic environmental and health effects on people living in the region are recounted in detail.