In the wake of the catastrophic explosion at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant, which occurred on April 26, 1986, the immediate area surrounding the plant began to see severe consequences of the nuclear incident. As reports emerged regarding the extent of radioactive leaks and hazardous conditions, it quickly became clear that the safety of local residents was at risk. Authorities, recognizing the gravity of the situation, enacted an emergency evacuation plan for the city of Chernobyl, situated just a few kilometers from the plant, to protect its inhabitants from radiation exposure. The evacuation order came six days post-disaster, on May 2, 1986, prompting immediate actions to relocate approximately 49,000 residents to nearby towns and cities.

The evacuation process was chaotic, as many residents were uncertain about what had transpired, with little time to gather personal belongings. The unfolding events highlighted the lack of preparedness for such crises, as government officials had downplayed the severity of the situation initially. News of the incident and the subsequent evacuation spread beyond the local level, raising international concerns about the safety of nuclear power and its regulation.

The evacuation of Chernobyl marks a pivotal moment in both Ukrainian and global nuclear history, serving as a stark reminder of the potential hazards associated with nuclear energy. It led to an extensive human and environmental impact, leading to the establishment of a 30-kilometer exclusion zone around the plant and resulting in ongoing health and ecological studies for years to come.