16 people who helped with the Chernobyl cleanup share their devastating first-hand accounts

April 26 will mark the 30-year anniversary of one of the world's largest nuclear disasters - the catastrophic explosion that took place at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant in Ukraine in 1986.

More than 500,000 soldiers, firefighters, and plant workers rushed to the scene in the days and months following the explosion to contribute to the massive clean-up efforts.

Without proper protection against the radiation, many suffered immediate and severe nosebleeds, vomiting, and even collapsing. The lasting side effects from the exposure have been immense.

Getty photographer Sean Gallup had the chance to speak with a number of the workers who are still living - ahead, see their stories.