Russia: No danger to public health after radiation spike observed in Severodvinsk Aug. 8 /update 1

Event

Officials in Severodvinsk (Arkhangelsk oblast) reportedly observed a spike in radiation levels in the city on Thursday, August 8, contradicting reports by defense ministry officials stating radiation was normal. Authorities indicated they observed a "short-term rise in background radiation" at 12:00 (local time) but that the level had normalized by 14:00. According to the NGO observers, radiation levels peaked at two microsieverts per hour. Health officials have stated that the radiation levels observed on Thursday afternoon pose no danger to public health.

The spike reportedly followed a rocket engine explosion at a weapons testing site near Nyonoksa, which left two dead and six others wounded. Ports in the Dvina Bay area of the White Sea were subsequently closed because of the explosion.

Advice

Individuals in Severodvinsk are advised to stay abreast of the situation via local news reports and adhere to any instructions issued by local authorities.