Tensions are increasing between Israel and Iran, and the war in Ukraine is now in its third year, prompting concerns about the potential for World War III.
Adding to the situation, Vladimir Putin recently stated Russia is that Russia is prepared to use its nuclear weapons if there is a perceived threat to their country’s statehood, sovereignty, or independence, indicating a significant risk.
The Russian president mentioned in a chilling interview with state-owned TV channel RIA Novosti that ‘From a military-technical standpoint, we are, of course, prepared.’
He also noted that ‘They [nuclear missiles] are constantly ready for combat.’
Although many experts hope that his comments are just a threat, the reality is that Russia possesses nearly 6,000 nuclear warheads – the largest stockpile globally.
One such weapon, the Topol (SS25), has a range of about 7,000 miles, putting the UK and US at significant risk.
To gain a better understanding of the impact of a nuclear attack anywhere in the world, professor and nuclear technology historian Alex Wellerstein developed an online tool. Nukemap.
This tool starkly illustrates the devastating effects of different nuclear bombs from various countries’ arsenals in any area globally.
London
If a 800kt bomb were to land near Trafalgar Square, the blast range would immediately vaporize anyone from Westminister to Soho, and destroy landmarks such as the London Eye, Chinatown, and the National Theatre.
Areas from Brixton to Camden would experience further blast damage, with most residential buildings collapsing and widespread injuries and fatalities.
The thermal radiation would cause third-degree burns so severe that they could require amputation, affecting areas from Edgware to Croydon.
People in the outer ring would also suffer injuries and broken windows.
Overall, an estimated 1 million fatalities and around 2.3 million injuries would occur.
Birmingham
Heading to Birmingham, there would be around 500,000 fatalities and nearly 1 million injuries, reaching Redditch and Wolverhampton.
The entire city would be impacted, including Redditch and Wolverhampton.
Those in the inner circle, with the Birmingham town hall at its center, would be instantly vaporized, including shoppers at the city’s famous Bull Ring.
Moderate blast damage would result in fires, building damage, and a significant number of fatalities and injuries in areas ranging from north Birmingham in Sutton Coldfield to Solihull in the south.
Manchester
Manchester would see nearly 370,000 estimated fatalities and around 830,000 injuries.
Manchester’s city center, including its Chinatown, Medieval Quarter, and the Science and Industry Museum, would be instantly vaporized, including Stephen Hawking’s chair.
Moderate harm would impact Stretford, Eccles and even extend to Filsworth. Heat harm would cause people from Cheadle to Oldham to experience severe third-degree burns.
Even individuals in Wilmslow, located 15 miles from the city center, would experience lasting effects from the explosion.
New York
The blast zone in New York would result in 1.6 million deaths and 3 million injuries in the city.
If it landed in Soho, a fireball would engulf the surrounding neighborhoods including Little Italy, Chinatown, Noho and the East Village.
Manhattan, and parts of Brooklyn, Queens, and New Jersey would also be engulfed by the blast, with damage spreading out four miles in all directions causing most city buildings to collapse and fires to break out, resulting in widespread fatalities.
Those further away, including in Harlem and Bayonne, would experience severe third-degree burns, while light blast damage would extend to Staten Island and the Bronx.
Washington DC
If a nuclear bomb struck the White House, the number of deaths would reach around 500,000, with just under a million people injured.
The fireball radius would reach nearly two miles, with individuals and historic buildings being vaporized.
Further away, within 7 kilometers, Capitol Hill and Columbia Heights would sustain significant blast damage, potentially leading to collapse.
Those from Alexandria to Silver Spring would suffer severe third-degree burns from thermal radiation, with light blast damage affecting an area of over 1,000 square kilometers.
