Inside dystopian town blitzed by 450 nukes plagued by suicides & cancer-riddled families issued ‘radiation passports'
Maira Abenova has helplessly watched as cancer spread through her family.
After years of living near the Semipalatinsk Test Site, she told The Sun how the devastating impact of the
family
".
Advertisement
14
The Semipalatinsk Test Site is the most nuked place on earth
Credit: Getty - Contributor
14
The Semipalatinsk region in eastern Kazakhstan was a nuclear test site for the Soviet Union
Credit: AFP - Getty
14
The Cold War relic sits near the border with modern day Russia
Credit: Corbis Historical - Getty
14
Lake Shagan, also called the 'Atomic Lake', highlighted, is an offshoot of the Shagan River
Credit: Wikipedia
14
Known as the Polygon, the 7,000 square mile nuclear testing site in north east Kazakhstan was nuked by hellish bombs from 1949 to 1989.
Having been hit by a quarter of all
Its infamous 'Atomic Lake' was blasted into existence 60 years ago by a bomb ten times more powerful than the one dropped on Hiroshima.
And one of the site's most destructive detonations reportedly caused four times as many instances of severe radiation poisoning as the Chernobyl disaster.
Advertisement
Following 40 years of nuclear explosions which wreaked havoc on nearby communities, the consequences are still felt today.
Kazakh authorities dished out eerie "radiation passports" to help and identify victims of the fallout - but these have failed to fully cover the tragic repercussions.
Local resident Maira Abenova told The Sun: "After more than 30 years have passed, we can now say that for 40 years, an atomic war was waged on our beautiful land."
Now a mum and grandma, Maira was raised in the neighbouring high-risk town of Semipalatinsk, which is by the Russian border and is today known as Semey.
Advertisement
Most read in The US Sun
She is also the founder an advocacy group for victims of the tests called Committee Polygon 21.
Maira detailed the tragic consequences of Semipalatinsk Test Site which have scarred her own life.
Inside 'world's most dangerous town' Wittenoom where just breathing could kill you
"In 1971, before turning 60, my mother died of esophageal cancer," she said.
"At that time, we could not know the cause of this disease."
Advertisement
After losing her mum, her sister passed away in 2013, nearly 25 years after the last recorded nuclear test.
"In 2013, literally a month after surgery, my older sister passed away from breast cancer," Maira explained.
Her husband was the
next
loved one to die as a result of the
She said: "My husband was diagnosed with stomach cancer - he lived in agony for only a year and a half before he passed away."
Advertisement
Maira continued: "Just a few months after my husband's funeral, my brother was diagnosed with lung cancer.
"He survived only three months."
The devastating consequences of Semipalatinsk Test Site then caught up with Maira herself.
"Last autumn, I was diagnosed with the same disease," she said.
Advertisement
"I had an operation, but I don't know how much time I have left.
"Our medical system offers little hope - not because we lack good doctors, but because the healthcare system, especially in our region, is in a deeply deplorable state."
14
Maira Abenova told The Sun what it was like growing up in Semipalatinsk
14
Image of the Chagan nuclear test, which created the 'Atomic Lake' on January 15, 1965
Credit: Wikipedia
Advertisement
14
It features a notorious 'Atomic Lake'
Credit: WIKIMEDIA
14
She added: "The worst thing is when doctors diagnose cancer. It's like a death sentence.
"A sentence of a painful death. Without proper help and treatment."
Advertisement
Maira also noted that her local cancer clinic was "always overcrowded".
Kazakhstan authorities estimate 1.5 million people have been exposed to the test site's residual fallout.
Nearby populations suffered elevated rates of cancer, heart disease and infertility which were all linked to the tests.
More babies were born with defects, missing limbs, Down syndrome and other disabilities - while the number of suicide rates among young people also rose.
Advertisement
A local city hall official even made the shocking claim that "people in the villages got used to suicides", according to a
And grandma-of-two Maira confirmed this epidemic, saying that after the closure of the site, the higher rates of suicide were known as "Kainarsky syndrome".
Despite the first ever bomb going off on August 29, 1949, four years after the end of World War II, radiation levels are still elevated, and children continue to be born with genetic mutations.
Maira said: "This evil did not spare any family."
Advertisement
Reflecting on these haunting health impacts, she described the aspect that continues to trouble her most.
"As for the photos showing the aftermath of the tests, I'd say the most frightening consequences aren't the physical deformities or developmental anomalies," she said.
"But rather the lingering fear — the fear of dying from an illness that might not be visible on the outside.
"The fear of a young woman giving birth to a child with disabilities, and so on."
Advertisement
14
A total of 456 nuclear tests were conducted at the site
Credit: AFP - Getty
14
Maira's very own 'radiation passport'
14
Statue of Igor Kurchatov, the 'father' of the Soviet nuclear program, in the city he was named after
Credit: Getty
The campaigner also detailed a closed-off town called Kurchatov which was built as the headquarters for the testing site and was only accessible with an official pass.
Advertisement
Codenamed Semipalatinsk 21, the base was full of nuclear scientists and military officers, and located on the picturesque bank of the Irtysh River.
The top-secret town had 50,000 or so inhabitants who were all supplied with high quality produce sent straight from the capital.
Meanwhile, locals outside the town lived in relative squalor with "empty store shelves", Maira explained.
"It was built in a short time," she said of the city, which has been dubbed the Soviet version of Los Alamos.
Advertisement
"Since the city was built by the military, it resembles a military town - strict lines and no frills."
The activist added that scientists timed each blast to match the wind direction - making sure the deadly fallout always blew away from their own HQ.
And typical Soviet cover-ups meant that even the locals were unaware of the nearby tests for years.
"We didn't know about it until the late 1980s, when information about the terrible tests conducted near us began to leak out to the public," she recalled.
Advertisement
Semipalatinsk's role in the Cold War
by Harvey Geh
Semipalatinsk Test Site, also known as the Polygon, played a central role in the Soviet Union's push to win the nuclear arms race during the Cold War.
On August 29, 1949, the USSR detonated its first-ever atomic bomb at Semipalatinsk, just four years after the U.S. bombed Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
That explosion - codenamed RDS-1 or "First Lightning" - ended America's nuclear monopoly and officially launched the Cold War arms race.
It was a near-copy of the US-made 'Fat Man' plutonium bomb, which America dropped on Nagasaki, Japan in August 1945.
Following the landmark explosion, Semipalatinsk became the main site for testing each nuclear development the Soviet Union made, including hydrogen bombs and experimental warheads.
This allowed the USSR to gain data on blast yields and radiation fallout.
From its inception in 1949 to its closure in 1989 with the fall of the Berlin Wall, 116 bombs were detonated in the atmosphere, while 240 exploded underground.
A law created in 1992 meant victims could apply for a "radiation passport", which confirmed their exposure to the fallout and qualified them for certain
benefits
.
Each person who had their application approved was given a little beige book with a big blue mushroom cloud on its front cover.
Those holding their own document could then receive things like monthly compensation cash and longer
holidays
.
This system was said to have worked in its initial phases.
Advertisement
But these days, the scheme is ineffective, according to Maira.
She is now part of a renewed push to improve compensation and bring real justice to the lives of many who have been impacted.
Maira said: "The law that was passed in 1992 is effectively defunct today, and its current provisions are discriminatory."
14
Observation tower ruins at the former Semipalatinsk nuclear test site in Kazakhstan
Credit: Getty
Advertisement
14
The nuclear scientists were based in Kurchatov, named after renowned Soviet nuclear physicist Igor Kurchatov
Credit: Getty
The passport grants holders £30 per month in benefits - barely enough to cover current medical costs - and those who move to live in a different region are disqualified from getting the
money
.
Many locals have reportedly found it challenging to get official recognition for their children to also obtain the document.
Emphasising the importance of petitioning for better support, Maira explained: "The hardest thing for us is that we feel doomed and unprotected."
Advertisement
Maira also heads the human rights organisation DOM, which has also played an important role forming initiatives aimed at protecting the rights of victims of nuclear tests.
She says on social media that for the last three years, the organisation has been working "to shape new ways of addressing victims, to achieve significant change, and to expand dialogue with the state and the international community."
Maira has won awards for her work supporting victims of the tests and participated in UN meetings calling for the ban of nuclear weapons.
She left Committee Polygon 21 earlier this month but continues to work with victims of nuclear fallout through her leading role at DOM.
Advertisement
It is believed that more than one million people resided in and around Semipalatinsk - but today, only a few thousand people remain.
The International Day against Nuclear Tests occurs every year on August 29, the day the first bomb went off in Semipalatinsk Test Site.
Despite neighbouring locals living through the nuclear fallout of the site, it remains unclear exactly how dangerous living in the region is today.
Scavengers have excavated the site in hopes of selling off scrap metal, while locals are known to use the "Atomic Lake" as a fishing spot.
Advertisement
Maira said she was aware locals like to go fishing there as they "have come to believe that it is safe".
But since the landscape has been marred by nearly half a century of nuclear bombing, she said the area had partly lost its beauty.
Read more on the Irish Sun
"It is more reminiscent of the surface of the moon," she said.
"A steppe and granite hills that have crumbled over time... scattered across by the atomic explosions."
Advertisement
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Irish Sun
41 minutes ago
- The Irish Sun
I'm an interiors expert – here's the little-known paint secret that can level up your DIY home makeover
NOW that summer is well underway, there has never been a more perfect time to give your home the refresh it's been waiting for. So if you're looking to spruce up your place with a fresh revamp, then you might want to take note. 3 Experts have revealed their little-known paint secret that can level up your DIY home makeover Credit: Getty 3 And it can completely transform a room Credit: Getty Experts have revealed that there is a little-known paint secret that can completely level up your DIY home makeover. While many of us are guilty of just picking a paint or a colour and calling it a day, there is a trick that designers use to take it up a notch. And it's all about picking the right finish. You might not realise it, but this can make a huge difference in each room because it reflects how the paint will look on your wall. Paint and interiors expert Lucy Steele from And she also shared her tips on how to avoid common decorating mistakes. It's not just about what looks good on that tiny colour swatch; it's about how the paint will actually behave in your space Lucy Steele Paint and interiors expert from V&CO Paint She said: "The existence of so many different finishes emphasises how important it is to pick the right paint for each area. "It's not just about what looks good on that tiny colour swatch; it's about how the paint will actually behave in your space. Most read in Fabulous "It's also about how it plays with light, and how much wear and tear it can handle. "So, whether you're planning a massive home overhaul or just sprucing up a single room, taking a moment to understand the difference between paint finishes can seriously elevate your interior game." I'm an interior designer and here's 5 mistakes people make - including the 2010s fad & the print that should be illegal Dead Flat Matt At the moment, Dead Flat Matt is the latest trend in paint finishes, and it can completely transform a room. Lucy says: "It influences how light bounces around, how big a space feels, and even how a surface feels to the touch. "Think of traditional matt paint, and you might picture something with a tiny hint of a shine when the light hits it just right. Meanwhile, Dead Flat Matt is completely flat. "This finish gives your walls a uniform, velvety, and incredibly rich look. It's subtle, sophisticated, and surprisingly luxurious. "Dead Flat Matt is the biggest trend right now, and it's perfect for colour-drenching a room too!" Silk and soft sheen For anyone considering revamping the kitchen or bathroom, this is a finish that you might want to keep in mind. The interior expert says: "Silk finishes are well-suited to walls as they are easy to clean. "They reflect a small amount of light and can highlight imperfections on your wall. "Soft sheen paint reflects the same amount of light as silk, but it's much more durable, making it easy to clean and perfect for kitchens and bathrooms." 3 The paint finish you choose can have a massive impact on the room Credit: Getty Satin and Eggshell Satin and eggshell paints are popular for interior walls because they offer the perfect balance between durability and ease of cleaning while having a subtle shine. And Lucy explains why they are becoming the new go-to. She said: "Satin finishes are similar to silk but are more suitable for woodwork. "Unlike silk though, it hides imperfections and can make colours appear softer. "Meanwhile, Eggshell finishes reflecting small, delicate amounts of light just like an eggshell! "Typically withstanding staining better than a matt finish, Eggshell is perfect for interior woods and works well on furniture and skirting boards." The five colours that are becoming outdated in 2025 IT'S important to make sure that when you update your space, you create a look that won't quickly become outdated. With that in mind, interior designers have revealed the five colours that are beginning to fade now that we are halfway into 2025. Interior pro Paulina Wojas from Emerald Green - "While this colour is still loved for its luxe vibe, its declining popularity could be due to it being oversaturated". Camel - "This could be due to Camel's brown-yellow undertone that may be too warm for a clean aesthetic, and 2025 interior trends favouring more muted, earthy tones such as taupe and olive.' Burgundy - "A prominent trend this year is open, airy spaces with organic elements, which could explain burgundy's declining demand". Scarlet Red - "While its vibrant hue is desirable for maximalist interiors, scarlet red's intensity can become overpowering, resulting in colour fatigue. Teal - "While this aquatic shade is still desirable and perfect for coastal, Greek-inspired interiors, the low number of teal sales could be due to changing preferences and trends shifting towards warmer colour palettes.' Gloss and Smooth Most of us love a gloss and smooth paint finish because they are durable, easily cleaned, and are great for brightening spaces. And because it has a high level of shine and reflects light, it makes rooms appear larger and more vibrant. But Lucy has revealed another reason why many people are adding it to their homes. She said: "Gloss is most commonly used on wood and metal as it reflects loads of light. "It works well for paler colours but can only be used on perfectly smooth surfaces. Read more on the Irish Sun "Smooth finishes are almost exclusively used in masonry paint and can withstand harsh weather conditions. "Smooth finishes stay smooth and won't crack, flake, or peel for up to 15 years."
The Irish Sun
14 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Incredible pictures show moment seagull SHATTERS cockpit of £73MILLION warplane
A WARPLANE strikes a seagull at an airshow display — shattering the cockpit canopy. Incredibly the pilot was unharmed and able to land the £73million 4 The seagull can be seen to the right of the £73million Eurofighter as it flies above an airbase in Spain Credit: SWNS 4 The exact moment of impact is caught by the photographer, as a huge cloud of debris erupts from the fighter's cockpit canopy Credit: SWNS 4 Despite the huge hole in the canopy, the hero pilot managed to safely land the Eurofighter jet Credit: SWNS A photographer captured the split-second strike over the San Javier Air Base in Murcia, Spain, on June 15. But snapper Javier Alonso de Medina Salguero said he realised what had happened only after checking his photos. They show the gull swooping into the path of the jet, before the bird is hit and A huge cloud of debris can then be seen exploding out from the pilot's cockpit area READ MORE WORLD NEWS Javier added: "I was at the base in the San Javier area, at the site where they took us photographers. 'We were watching the Eurofighter display when we saw it leave without finishing. "They reported over the radio it hit a seagull. "I had the whole sequence.' Most read in The Sun 4 The gaping hole in the cockpit canopy is clear to see as the pilot attempts to land the fighter Credit: SWNS Red Arrow forced to make emergency landing as bird strike smashes canopy mid display
The Irish Sun
a day ago
- The Irish Sun
Wilko's 49p buy will keep out creepy crawlies as UK's ‘biggest spider' believed to be hiding in homes
NO ONE wants creepy crawlies invading their home but in the summer these little pests can slowly creep into your house. But we've got the perfect 49p buy that will keep out the UK's biggest spider that's Advertisement The Cardinal Spider 3 The Cardinal spider is the largest spider in the UK Credit: Getty - Contributor The UK has 650 different species of spiders, and the largest among Cardinal spiders, known internationally as Tegenaria Parietina, have been recorded to grow up to 14cm. Typically found in buildings or on walls, there is due to be more All spiders can bite – that's how most subdue and kill their prey. Advertisement Pest control But the Cardinal's small fangs will only render mild discomfort in a human. So there is no need to be fearful of these creatures - even if you What are Cardinal Spiders? 3 Though the species is pretty rare in Europe, they're found more commonly in the south of England Credit: Getty - Contributor The spider was allegedly called after Cardinal Wolsey who was terrified by the sight of the spiders at Hampton Court . Advertisement Though the species is pretty rare in Europe, they're found more commonly in the south of England. Most read in Fabulous Most of them live in buildings or walls, and like all spiders living in houses, they can withstand very dry conditions and survive for months without sustenance. The females are larger and can grow to a body length of up to 20 mm while males measure up to 17 mm. Giant huntsman spider lurking in his bunch of Aldi bananas Typically reddish brown in colour, but young Cardinal spiders can be much lighter, so taking that into account with it's size - easy to spot! Advertisement However, their legs are about three times longer in length. How to deter them from your home 3 Wilko are selling Marigold seeds for only 49p Credit: wilko If you're looking for Evie Lane, gardening expert at Advertisement There's a reason why allotment keepers have been And Wilko's has packets of These bright, friendly plants repel a swathe of pests including spiders and snails, so they come in handy both inside the home and out. Other plants that also help keep them at bay are Chrysanthemums, Eucalyptus, Lavender and Rosemary. Advertisement Spiders also don't like mint, but you don't need You can also put some mint leaves in water in a spray bottle and after the leaves have had a chance to sit in the water a while, spray the entry points of your home. But to any who investing in a good, cruelty-free spider catcher, so you can send them on their way.
