Kyiv: Citizens panic after a massive missile attack on Kyiv marks the 229th day of the Russia-Ukraine war. People are leaving due to the fear of nuclear attack. People stranded in Ukraine have prepared to leave their homes and live in bunkers. Alexander Cadet in Kyiv built an underground room at the back of the house. Built under a wooden shed, one has to use a ladder up to six and a half feet from the ground to reach this room. Alexander, 32, worked hard for two weeks to convert an old well into a bunker to avoid a Russian attack.
He said to Worldopress correspondent, "After the attack of October 10, the anxiety increased, and I think we can stay in this bunker if there is a nuclear attack. The bunker also houses water bottles, packed food, radios, and power banks in case of a nuclear attack."
Alexander added, "There's no guarantee that a bunker will protect humans from nuke attacks. It's good to have a plan of action in a crisis. There is no guarantee that this bunker will survive an attack. But you must be at least prepared for it. Many in Kyiv say they were alerted to Monday's missile attacks."
To prevent a nuclear attack, many people like Alexander, are building similar bunkers and stockpiling essential equipment there. Residents are getting information about staying safe during a nuclear war. These methods, they believe, will help them protect themselves in the event of a nuclear attack. While hundreds of people are leaving Ukraine.
Even in schools in Kyiv, nuclear attack preparedness has been braved. After the withdrawal of Russian troops from many parts of northeastern Ukraine, life returned to normal. Schools have also started here. Many schools now ask parents to send emergency packs with their children.
Nadia Stelmakh, 50, who works at a department store in Kyiv, said people come in with a list of gloves, shawls, boot covers, tissue paper, wet wipes, and flashlights.
People to be given potassium iodide pills
According to medical advice, Kyiv City Council said that people would be given potassium iodide pills in the event of a nuclear attack. He said that these tablets are also available in pharmacies in the city. Alina Bozedomova, a pharmacist in Kyiv, said that people are coming every day looking for pills. Potassium iodide is used to saturate a person's thyroid gland with iodine so that the thyroid gland will not be affected after exposure to radioactive iodine.