In 1986 a massive leak from Ukraine's Chernobyl nuclear reactor sent a huge cloud of radiation into Belorussia. 70% of the fallout fell on 40% of the country, including the capital Minsk; 2.3 million people were immediately affected. The government at the time kept the leak secret. Farmland, forests and water were all contaminated, including underwater streams feeding rivers in eastern Poland.
Cases of leukemia and cancer are continuing to increase. Some areas in the fallout zone are still being farmed. Unscrupulous dealers are suspected of selling meat meant for destruction. A clean-up program is under way, swallowing 17% of government finances each year. Belorussia is seeking substantial Western aid to cope with the problem.
