Chernobyl Was Evacuated On May 5, 1986
The meltdown of the nuclear power plant began on the night of April 26, 1986. However, the city did not get evacuated until nearly two weeks later, on May 5. During that time, the residents near Chernobyl were subjected to some of the highest doses of radiation in history.
The secretive policies of the Soviet Union were the most significant reason that the evacuation did not begin sooner. Officials in the government attempted to hide the catastrophe as it was unfolding instead of doing what was best for the citizens and warning them of the danger that they faced.