Experts confirmed that a cooling tower's load-bearing structure at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) can be repaired and continue operating after a fire caused by an alleged strike by Ukrainian forces was put out, head of the nuclear power plant said.
According to Russia's State Atomic Energy Corporation Rosatom, the cooling tower of the ZNPP was attacked by the Ukrainian forces, resulting in the tower catching fire on Sunday evening local time.
However, the Ukrainian side stated on Sunday that Russia set fire to the nuclear power plant, and Russia should be held accountable for this.
Currently, the radiation levels at the nuclear power plant remain within normal limits.
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) experts on Monday visited the plant's cooling towers to assess the impact of fire.
Their observations suggested that the primary source of the fire was unlikely to have originated at the base of the cooling tower. They did not find any remains of tyres or drones during their inspection and noted no significant disturbance of debris, ash, or soot at the tower's base.
In a statement, the IAEA confirmed that the nuclear safety of the plant was not affected, as the cooling towers are currently not in operation.
Moreover, no radioactive material was detected in the vicinity of the cooling towers. Experts conducted radiation monitoring in the area of the cooling towers and the reactors, confirming no signs of elevated radiation levels.
The team has not been able to reach definitive conclusions regarding the cause of the fire on the basis of the findings and observations so far.
Cooling tower of Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant remains functional after fire put out
As the Qingming Festival approaches this Friday, various traditional folk activities have been held across China, celebrating the rich cultural heritage of the occasion.
With a 2,500-year history, Qingming Festival, or the Festival of Pure Brightness, observed in early April, uniquely combines ancestral worship with the celebration of spring. Falling on the 15th day after the spring equinox, this ritual-rich observance reflects China's enduring values of ancestral veneration and inspires deep introspection about what gives life meaning.
In Sijia Village, Huayin City, northwest China’s Shaanxi Province, a unique swing festival is held to mark the occasion. Eighteen different types of traditional swings, such as the spinning wheel swing, the Bagua swing reminiscent of a rotating carousel, and the balance swing designed for two people, have attracted many visitors.
Historically, Sijia Village served as a military post guarding the strategic Tongguan pass, a former mountain pass and fortress located south of the confluence of the Wei and Yellow Rivers. The swing tradition in the village has its origins in military training exercises like climbing and river crossing. The local swing culture further developed as regional trade flourished, eventually evolving into the "swing festival" that continues today.
"It's very exciting and tests your skill, endurance, and most importantly, your arm strength. You need to maintain balance," said Qu Xiangyang, a visitor.
In Rudong County, Nantong City, east China's Jiangsu Province, another traditional Qingming activity takes place - kite flying.
Flying kites as a way of making wishes is an age-old Qingming custom in this region. As a result, the Qingming Festival in Nantong is also known as the "Kite Festival."
The local Banyao whistling kite making skills is listed as one of the first national intangible cultural heritage items.
According to a folk culture expert, people traditionally write the names of diseases or misfortunes on paper, attach it to a kite, and release it into the sky. This practice is believed to drive away illness and disaster, while also serving as a way to make wishes.
In south China's Guangdong Province, a large tug-of-war competition is underway in Maoming City. Teams from different towns and streets are competing, attracting many locals to cheer on their teams.
Tug-of-war, which originated during the late Spring and Autumn period (770 BC - 476 BC), became part of Qingming customs during the Tang Dynasty (618-907). Emperor Xuanzong of the Tang Dynasty once organized large-scale tug-of-war competitions for the festival.
"Tug-of-war became very popular in the Tang Dynasty, even emerging as the national sport. It originated in the Jingchu region and later spread across the country. In ancient Lingnan (Southern China), tug-of-war games were a common tradition. Through these events, people seek to pray for peace, prosperity, and abundant harvests," said Yao Guojun, vice dean of the College of Arts and Law, Guangdong University of Petrochemical Technology.
Traditional folk activities held for Qingming Festival
