Moldova Honors Chernobyl Heroes
Over 3,500 Moldovans courageously put their health and lives on the line in the aftermath of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster 38 years ago to contain the radioactive fallout.
Tragically, half of these brave individuals are now deceased.
Moldovan Participation in Chernobyl Liquidation Efforts Began in 1986
According to the National Archives Agency, the first Moldovan contingent arrived at Chernobyl on June 15, 1986.
President Underscores Importance of Nuclear Safety and Support for Chernobyl Heroes
In a Facebook post, the Moldovan president emphasised the enduring significance of the Chernobyl disaster as a stark reminder of the dangers of nuclear power and the critical importance of international cooperation to ensure the safe and peaceful use of nuclear technologies. The president further expressed deep concern over the renewed threat of a nuclear accident in the region due to the war in Ukraine. The message underscored the urgent need for stricter nuclear safety regulations and enhanced international collaboration in this domain. The president concluded by stressing the importance of global solidarity to safeguard people and the environment for a peaceful and secure future.
Moldovan Government Increases Support for Chernobyl Participants
The Moldovan government has demonstrably increased financial assistance to participants in the Chernobyl liquidation effort over the past three years. These measures include raising monthly allowances for individuals with varying degrees of disability caused by radiation exposure. Additionally, annual material aid has been indexed to keep pace with inflation. By year's end, the government will provide free, fully equipped apartments to 80 families of participants.
Breakdown of State Support for Chernobyl Participants
- Monthly state allowances are provided based on the degree of disability:
- Severe disability: 1,600 lei
- Accentuated disability: 1,450 lei
- Medium disability: 1.375 lei
- No disability: 1,000 lei
- Annual lump-sum financial aid for rehabilitation:
- Severe or accentuated disability: 2 average monthly salaries in Moldova
- Medium disability: 1.5 average monthly salaries in Moldova
- Chernobyl liquidation workers: 1 average monthly salary in Moldova
- Monthly cash compensation in lieu of food supplies: 1,204 lei
- Annually indexed pensions
- Sanatorium treatment tickets (or cash compensation if medically contraindicated)
- Annual financial stipend of 1,000 lei on the commemorative day
Moldovan Ministry of Labor and Social Protection Provides Additional Support
As reported by Radio Moldova, the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection offers further assistance to Chernobyl liquidation participants. This includes free medical services, dental prosthetics, and a one-time allowance to aid in building a home or purchasing housing (up to 82,000 lei). In the case of a participant's death, the family receives a lump-sum compensation of 15 average monthly salaries in Moldova.
Current Status of Chernobyl Liquidation Participants in Moldova
There are approximately 1,700 Moldovans who participated in the Chernobyl liquidation efforts. Of these individuals, a staggering 1,650 currently live with various degrees of disability.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
