What was one outcome of the Chernobyl nuclear accident approximately 28 years ago?

The Chernobyl nuclear accident, which occurred in 1986, is one of the most catastrophic nuclear disasters in history. One significant outcome of this event was the release of substantial amounts of radioactive materials into the environment, which indeed spread over thousands of square miles. This fallout contaminated land, water, and air, affecting not only the nearby regions but also neighboring countries and beyond.

The scale of the contamination caused serious health concerns, including increased rates of thyroid cancer and other radiation-related illnesses in affected populations. Furthermore, the long-term environmental consequences included the creation of the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone, a designated area surrounding the site that remains largely uninhabitable due to continued radiation levels.

The other options presented do not accurately reflect the gravity or the direct outcomes of the Chernobyl disaster. The reactor was not successfully rebuilt for operation, nor was a complete core meltdown avoided through intervention; in fact, the meltdown was a critical aspect of the incident. Additionally, the reported death toll is much higher than five, with thousands estimated to have suffered due to the effects of radiation exposure.