In 1986, a botched test at the Chernobyl plant triggered the worst nuclear disaster, killing 31 people and exposing millions to radiation. Around 5,000 later died from related illnesses. The plant was shut down in 2000 after massive cleanup efforts.

40 years of Chernobyl disaster: What really happened that night? — See details in PICS

In April 1986, the Chernobyl accident triggered a disaster that within three months killed over 30 people and many more in the following months. Even today, Chernobyl, which used to be home to about 14,000 people, remains a ghost town where people can't survive due to high levels of radiation.

Chernobyl’s miraculous survivors: Resilient worms thrive amid hazardous radiation

Recent surveys conducted at farmlands near the Chernobyl nuclear reactor disaster site revealed that radiation levels have gone down, making it apparently safe to use for growing food.

Farmland near Chernobyl nuclear disaster site 'safe' to grow crops: Report

36 years since a catastrophic meltdown at the Chernobyl power plant unleashed one of the world's worst nuclear disasters, now "mutant" black frogs are spawning in the vicinity.

36 years after catastrophic event, Chernobyl nuclear disaster spawns 'mutant frogs'

Russia held a memorial service on Monday (April 26) to mark the 35th anniversary of Chernobyl nuclear disaster, which permanently poisoned swathes of eastern Europe.

Moscow holds ceremony to mark 35th anniversary of Chernobyl disaster