Newsweek presented an analysis of the possible consequences of the use of US nuclear weapons against Moscow, Beijing and Pyongyang. This scenario is considered in the context of Russia’s increasing nuclear rhetoric during the war against Ukraine and in the context of discussions about the real threat of a global nuclear conflict.
The analysis is based on modeling the consequences of the explosion of the United States’ most powerful nuclear warhead, the B-83. The maps were developed using data provided by nuclear historian Alex Wellerstein. The radius of destruction, as well as the number of deaths and injuries, depends on the power of the charge and the terrain.
Affected areas: what will happen?
1. Fireball:
The central zone (with a radius of approximately 2.6 square kilometers) will completely evaporate due to temperatures reaching millions of degrees. There will be no people or buildings left here.
2. Complete Destruction Zone:
The explosion radius (about 107 square kilometers) will destroy most buildings and cause massive fires that will cover residential areas.
3. thermal radiation:
A vast area (340 square kilometers) will be exposed to thermal radiation, causing third-degree burns. These burns often damage the nerves, making them “painless” but causing serious injuries, scarring, disability, and possible amputation.
4. Minor damage area:
In a radius of about 860 square meters. km, the shock wave will break the window glass, which can cause numerous injuries.
Casualties among the population.
According to experts, as a result of the attack on the capitals, the victims number in the millions:
Moscow: About 1.3 million people will be killed and another 3.7 million will be injured.
Beijing: 1.5 million people will die and around 3.3 million will be injured.
Pyongyang: Approximately 1.3 million people will be killed and another 1.1 million injured.
These figures highlight the horrendous consequences of the use of nuclear weapons, even on a limited scale. Scenarios like these serve as a reminder of the catastrophic potential of a nuclear conflict and the need to prevent it.
Previously, Kursor wrote about whether Ukraine has the means to intercept Oreshnik missiles.
The expert stressed that the Oreshnik missile used by Russia to attack the Dnieper was originally developed for nuclear attacks.
