A nuclear disaster occurs when there is a significant release of radioactive materials into the environment, often due to accidents at nuclear power plants. These incidents can result from equipment failures, natural disasters, or human error, leading to contamination of air, water, and soil. The effects of a nuclear disaster can be severe, impacting human health and the environment. Exposure to radiation can cause acute health issues and increase the risk of long-term diseases, such as cancer. Notable examples of nuclear disasters include the Chernobyl disaster in 1986 and the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster in 2011.