Chernobyl Exclusion Zone Resettlers
After the worst nuclear disaster in history at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant in 1986, over 200,000 people living within a 30km radius were evacuated to othe...
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After the worst nuclear disaster in history at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant in 1986, over 200,000 people living within a 30km radius were evacuated to other cities, most never to return. Some, desperately unhappy with their new lives began to break back into the exclusion zone to resettle despite the risks. Although the exclusion zone is still in place and will remain so for many years due to elevated levels of radioactivity, the government eventually legalised a handful of resettlers, all over 70 years old.
Ivan and his wife Maria live happily with their cats amongst the radioactive hotspots, a few kilometers from the nuclear power plant.
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Ivan and his wife Maria live happily with their cats amongst the radioactive hotspots, a few kilometers from the nuclear power plant.
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Jul, 2013Views
8712
Likes
Awards
Contest Finalist in Together Photo Contest
Contest Finalist in Once Upon A Time Photo Contest
Featured
Contest Finalist in Photojournalism Photo Contest
People's Choice in People and Their Stories Photo Challenge
Contest Finalist in Mark Of Time Photo Contest
Contest Finalist in Faces And Places Photo Contest
Contest Finalist in Picture People Photo Contest
Contest Finalist in Live Simply Photo Contest
Contest Finalist in Seated Photo Contest
Staff Favorite
Superb Composition
Peer Award
Top Choice
Absolute Masterpiece
Outstanding Creativity
All Star
Superior Skill
Magnificent Capture
Love it
Exceptional Contrast
Genius
Virtuoso
Top Ranks
Top 10 rankTop 10 rank week 1
Top 20 rankTop 20 rank week 1
Top 30 rank
AlanJakarta
July 15, 2013
Wonderful portrait of this old couple & their cat which certainly depicts their plight from that awful event. Congratulations.
PRO+
carolcardillo
October 31, 2013
I wouldn't have even wanted to be there taking pictures... Excellent work! Thank you for sharing that info with us. Congrats on your Award and on being a Finalist!
PRO
Meliada
February 25, 2015
What a beautiful photo. I fell in love with this couple immediately. Thanks for telling their story.
NickM18
May 15, 2015
Many thanks to everyone for the comments! Spending an hour with Ivan, Maria and their cats was one of the highlights of my trip to the exclusion zone. An experience that was both saddening and truly heartwarming.
PRO+
Platinum
Captured-by-Carol
August 29, 2015
What an amazing strong and powerful image. Great work and thank you for sharing the story behind it.
Platinum
redwriter
August 30, 2015
Wonderful capture, great edit. Always like to see ordinary folks in their natural setting. Great job. - Jake
bonniedlizarraga
September 23, 2015
Your Photo is just amazing. this should have won.. can't say enough about it..
PRO
tootsreedle
January 13, 2016
Did you know them? They look a couple that knows getting your fingers in the dirt is the best life.
Platinum
asia_krasuska
May 20, 2016
Very authentic and beautiful, also very moving in the sense that the smiles indicate happiness despite all odds. Thank you for sharing.
Platinum
Platinum
PRO+
MaryAnne306
February 16, 2020
Wonderful capture and fascinating story. Have you heard anything more about the people who were allowed to return? Congratulations on being a finalist.
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