8. The Liquidators: Human Shields Against Disaster
In the aftermath, more than 600,000 “liquidators”—soldiers, engineers, and volunteers—were mobilized to contain the crisis. They battled fires, removed radioactive debris, and constructed the massive concrete sarcophagus to seal off Reactor 4. Many worked in perilous conditions, often with minimal protection and little understanding of the risks. The health toll was immense: thousands suffered long-term illnesses, while many families still bear the legacy of their sacrifice. (via IAEA).
