Chernobyl 30 years on: Drone footage shows construction of new reactor shelter

Some 30 years after the world's worst nuclear accident, Chernobyl is undergoing a major transformation. A new construction that will house the present shelter – built around the destroyed reactor immediately after the catastrophe of 1986 – has been rising steadily with the help of international community and European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).

The explosion and fire at the Chernobyl plant on 26 April 1986 was the world's worst nuclear accident, throwing clouds of radioactive particles into the air. Thousands of people left the area, never to return. A 30km exclusion zone remains in place around the plant, which is still contaminated by radioactive particles.

The so-called New Safe Confinement is set to make the site safe and allow the eventual dismantling of the ageing structure. Aerial footage release by EBRD/Novarka shows the impressive construction in progress. The drone that filmed the video is also said to be used to take precise measurements of the arch to ensure the perfect alignment of the structure.