Explosion heard at Chernobyl nuclear plant site, radiation levels remain normal: IAEA

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said on Friday an explosion was heard at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant (NPP) site overnight, but assured the radiation levels at the site remain normal.

The IAEA team at the Chernobyl site heard an explosion coming from the New Safe Confinement, which protects the remains of reactor 4 of the former Chernobyl NPP, causing a fire, the IAEA said on social media platform X.

The IAEA team was informed that an unmanned aerial vehicle had struck the confinement's roof, it said.

Director General of the IAEA Rafael Grossi said on Friday that the drone attack on the Chernobyl site was a very serious matter, but he could confirm that there was no nuclear leakage accident.

Grossi also said that the recent attack on the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant and the escalating military activities near the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant highlight the persistent nuclear security risks, and the IAEA will maintain a high level of alertness.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on social media on Friday that the attack was carried out by the Russian side, using a drone with a high-explosive warhead that caused damage to the confinement's facility.

However, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Friday that Moscow was not behind the attack, and dismissed Zelensky's remarks as a "provocative" accusation by Ukraine.

The Chernobyl plant, some 110 km north of the Ukrainian capital of Kiev, suffered one of the worst nuclear accidents in human history on April 26, 1986.

Explosion heard at Chernobyl nuclear plant site, radiation levels remain normal: IAEA

Explosion heard at Chernobyl nuclear plant site, radiation levels remain normal: IAEA

Explosion heard at Chernobyl nuclear plant site, radiation levels remain normal: IAEA

Explosion heard at Chernobyl nuclear plant site, radiation levels remain normal: IAEA

Giant pandas Chen Xing and Xiao Yue from China officially made their public debut in Malaysia on Saturday.

In a ceremony marking the event at the Giant Panda Conservation Center (GPC) at Zoo Negara, the country's national zoo in Selangor, the pair met eager visitors following their quarantine and acclimatization.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim was the guest of honor. In his remarks at the ceremony, Anwar thanked China for the cooperation in the conservation of giant pandas, noting that they are hugely popular with the Malaysian public.

The Malaysian side has prepared high-quality bamboo for the giant pandas to help them better adapt to local life. The two pandas are now in good health and have fully acclimated to their new home.

Many local visitors waited in long lines and braved crowds for their chance to catch a glimpse of the pair.

"It's such a surprise to see a giant panda. We looked forward to it and had waited for a long time outside," said a visitor.

Many visitors said it was their first time to see a giant panda.

"We feel very happy because for me it's my first-time experience to see them in real life. [They are] very cute and very big also. So, I wish all of them well since they came to Malaysia," said a visitor.

"I hope they will be healthy and happy, feeling at home here," said another visitor.

China and Malaysia launched their first round of international cooperation on giant panda conservation in 2014.

Xing Xing and Liang Liang were the first pair of giant pandas sent to Malaysia in 2014 and completed an 11-year stay in Malaysia before returning to China last May.

Malaysia welcomed the arrival of new pair of giant pandas Chen Xing and Xiao Yue last November. This couple is to stay in the Southeast Asian country for 10 years.

New giant panda couple makes public debut in Malaysia