In what has been deemed the worst nuclear disaster in human history, the Elephant's Foot at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant remains one of the most dangerous places on the planet. A decade after the catastrophic incident, the US Department of Energy captured rare photos of this deadly formation that could still deliver a fatal dose of radiation in just one hour.

The Elephant's Foot came into existence when the emergency shutdown procedures failed to contain the rising temperatures within the core. By the time the control rods were inserted to slow the reaction, it was too late. The intense heat cracked the rods, causing the cooling water to vaporize and culminating in a terrifying explosion.

The aftermath of the disaster revealed the existence of a chamber beneath the reactor, which became a grave risk due to its high levels of radiation. The Elephant's Foot, a mass of solidified corium that had fallen through into the steam corridor, earned its name due to its distinctive shape. Its radiation levels were initially measured at a staggering 10,000 roentgens per hour, approximately 1,000 times the dose required to induce cancer.

Even a brief exposure to the Elephant's Foot proved fatal. In just 30 seconds, individuals could experience dizziness and fatigue within a week. Two minutes of exposure led to cell hemorrhaging, followed by vomiting, diarrhea, and fever at four minutes. Tragically, death occurred within two days for those subjected to a mere five minutes in its vicinity.

The clean-up crew, known as "liquidators," faced the challenge of approaching the Elephant's Foot to mitigate its dangers. Initially, it was too radioactive even for them to access. Over time, the radiation levels of the Elephant's Foot diminished, but it still retained its lethal potency, with just an hour of exposure ensuring certain death.

In 2016, efforts to protect against further radiation leaks led to the construction of the New Safe Confinement, a concrete and steel shelter placed over the reactors. This structure, reinforced with additional steel, aimed to prevent the dispersion of uranium dust in case of another explosion.

Despite some progress in containing the radioactive material, the long-term effects of the Elephant's Foot remain uncertain. Corium, the rare substance produced by the meltdown, has only been observed a handful of times in history. As it continues to cool down, it is likely to remain dangerous for many years to come.

The legacy of the Elephant's Foot at Chernobyl serves as a haunting reminder of the catastrophic consequences of nuclear disasters. The photographs captured by the US Department of Energy provide a chilling glimpse into the enduring threat posed by this deadly formation, urging us to reflect on the importance of nuclear safety and vigilance in preventing such tragedies in the future.