Sixty years ago, the Soviet Union detonated its first nuclear weapon, nicknamed “First Lightning”, at a test facility on the steppe of northeast Kazakhstan.

The test site, named the Semipalatinsk Polygon, would go on to host 456 atomic explosions over its 40-year existence.

Residents in the surrounding area became unwitting guinea pigs, exposed to the after effects of the bombs both intentionally and unintentionally

And what has resulted?  Even 60 years later people who live there are suffering the repercussions of their country’s actions.  It’s truly sad and there’s nothing even remotely funny about this.

I just hope the situation improves.  That or do NOT live in Kazakhstan

Warning:  These pictures are pretty graphic – [H/T]

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