Lithuania is issuing 4 million iodine tablets to its citizens in preparation for a potential nuclear disaster after Belarus announced it will activate plans for a nuclear power plant in 2020 located just 15 kilometers away from the Lithuanian border.
The nuclear planet, which will be constructed in Astravets, is also only 50 kilometers away from the Lithuanian capital of Vilnius.
Lithuanian Minister of Health Aurelijus Veryga released a statement on May 6 in which he emphasized that “Lithuania should remain vigilant and ready to react, especially when it comes to protecting our inhabitants.”
Lithuanians will receive iodine tablets just before the Belarusian power plant is activated. These tablets block the accumulation of radioactive iodine which will decrease the risk of thyroid cancer in the case of radiation poisoning.
The tablets will be primarily distributed to the citizens living in a 30-kilometer radius from the power plant.
