Yes "only", meaning it's insufficient for the long run. It's estimated that the ruins will remain highly radiactive for 20,000 years, meaning that a scarcophag

Yes "only", meaning it's insufficient for the long run. It's estimated that the ruins will remain highly radiactive for 20,000 years, meaning that a scarcophagus-like containment is needed at least for that long. If human technology remains as is (ok I am really hoping for tech advancements in this area), we will need to build 200 of such structures if the design specifications work as planned. The area is only "safe" because we keep the site contained. Without renewal of the containment structure, the radiation will spread. https://www.power-technology.com/features/making-chernobyl-safe-a-timeline/ https://www.power-technology.com/features/making-chernobyl-s... "Meanwhile, Reactor No. 4, now covered by the New Safe Confinement, is estimated to remain highly radioactive for up to 20,000 years. "