Overview of Disasters in 1985 and 1986
In 1985 and 1986, significant disasters occurred around the world. While there were no specific disasters in the city where I now reside, some events had a profound impact on the global community. This article will explore two major disasters: the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant accident in 1986 and the MOVE bombing in Philadelphia in 1985.
The Chernobyl Disaster (1986)
The Worst Nuclear Power Plant Accident in History
The Chernobyl disaster occurred on April 26, 1986, at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant in the Ukrainian SSR (now Ukraine). This was the worst nuclear power plant accident in history, causing widespread radioactive contamination and numerous deaths.
Causes of the Disaster
The disaster was a result of a series of human errors, design flaws, and a lack of safety culture:
Human Error: A safety test gone wrong due to a combination of human error and design flaws in the reactor design. Design Flaws: The reactors design made it prone to power surges, and the safety test revealed these flaws. Lack of Safety Culture: The lack of a strong safety culture and inadequate training among the plant personnel contributed to the disaster.Consequences
The consequences of the Chernobyl disaster were far-reaching and devastating:
Immediate Effects
28 immediate deaths from acute radiation syndrome. Many more suffered from radiation sickness, leading to long-term health issues.Long-term Effects
Increased risk of cancer and other health problems for people exposed to radiation.Environmental Impact
Radioactive contamination of a large area around the plant, affecting local wildlife and ecosystems.The Chernobyl disaster was a catastrophic event with a profound impact on the environment and human health, and it led to significant changes in the nuclear industry's safety protocols and culture.
The MOVE Bombing (1985)
The MOVE War on Philadelphia
The MOVE organization, a radical black liberation movement, faced a significant conflict with the Philadelphia Police Department in 1985. This led to a tragic incident known as the MOVE Bombing, which occurred on June 11, 1985.
Background of the MOVE Incident
MOVE was a radical group with extreme beliefs and resistance to government intervention. They were known for their hostile behavior towards the police and the broader community. In 1978, a dispute about the murder of a police officer created tensions between MOVE and the police.
Dispute and Arson
MOVE members had repeatedly ignored summons and housing requirements, and they would often proclaim anti-police slogans. In response, the Philadelphia Police Department tried to arrest some of the members. The group resisted arrest, and the police responded with an extremely disproportionate and violent action:
Actions of the Philadelphia Police Department
The police dropped bombs on MOVE's houses, which ignited a fire. The fire was intentionally not extinguished, leading to widespread destruction of houses in the Cobbs Creek neighborhood.The MOVE bombing resulted in the deaths of 11 people, including 5 children. 250 people were left homeless as a result of the destroyed houses.
Aftermath and Legacy
MOVE never made a comeback after the 1985 bombing. The organization is no longer active. The incident highlighted the systemic issues within the Philadelphia Police Department, including racism and an inability to handle social and political movements in a non-violent manner.
It's important to remember that even extremist groups have human rights, and the excessive and disproportionate use of force against them is morally outrageous. The MOVE bombing remains a controversial and tragic event in American history, symbolizing the need for better solutions in handling such conflicts.
Overall, both the Chernobyl disaster and the MOVE bombing in Philadelphia serve as reminders of the disastrous consequences of human error and poor decision-making. These events have shaped policies and practices in various fields, from nuclear safety and security to law enforcement and social justice.