With the rising tensions between countries around the world, the threats of nuclear attack has become an increasingly alarming concern. Vladimir Putin, the President of Russia has been issuing warnings to launch nuclear missiles if countries such as the USA continue to oppose him or help Ukraine. In recent developments, some war experts have released a map that sheds light on some American states that would face the worst impacts in the event of a nuclear war. The criteria on the basis of which the states have been categorized as worst are population density, amount of survival resources, response to disastrous situations, and much more. So, let’s discuss which states in the United States would be the worst to live in after a nuclear attack happens on US soil.
Worst American States to Live After Nuclear Attack On US Soil
After a nuclear war takes place on US soil, certain states will become dangerous to live in for the people. Some American states are considered highly at-risk because of their population, central target locations, and the absence of resources required for survival. These are:-
New York
The Empire State, which is commonly known as New York will be one of the worst states to live in after a nuclear attack happens on US soil. Because it has a high population density, a nuclear attack in this state would result in a large number of casualties, making survival very difficult. Due to New York’s political, cultural, and financial significance, it can be the main target. Further, the state is surrounded by water, bridges, and tunnels, which means exiting it in emergency situations will be very tough. Also, if a nuclear missile lands in New York or nearby, the crowded streets and buildings of the state could amplify the fallout effects, exposing people to harmful radiation.
California
The Golden State, which is known as California is another worst state to live in after a nuclear attack happens on US soil. The state is a primary target because it has major metropolitan cities such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego. Because of its densely populated regions and massive infrastructure, the state may suffer destruction and a large number of casualties. Further, California is located on the Pacific Coast which might make escaping the state difficult. Also, because of the winds of the ocean the radiation might spread dangerously. Because California is the largest US state by GDP, a nuclear attack will negatively impact the US economy.
Washington
If a nuclear attack happens on US soil, the American state of Washington will face severe effects because it is one of the most important states. Washington has highly populated cities such as Seattle and Tacoma, which could lead to massive casualties and difficulties after a nuclear attack. Because it is located near the Pacific Ocean and wind patterns in the state are not very favorable, the radioactive fallout can spread at a fast pace, exposing people to dangerous radiation. Also, the rugged terrain of the state such as mountainous areas, and dense forests might create difficulties in rescuing people.
Hawaii
The island state of the United States, Hawaii, is another region that might be dangerous for people to live in after a nuclear attack. Because it is located in the center of the Pacific Ocean and is a remote island, recovery in the state after a nuclear attack might be difficult. It might be difficult for the state to access essential survival resources from the mainland because of its location. Hawaii is mainly surrounded by water, which means it offers no land-based emergency evacuation routes. The population density of the state is high, which means a nuclear attack could result in massive casualties. Therefore, the main reason behind Hawaii being the worst state to live in after a nuclear attack is its geographical location.
Nevada
The state of Nevada is also known as the Silver State or the Sagebrush State. It is a landlocked state which means it is not surrounded by water or does not have a coastline. Though the state is sparsely populated, but the city of Las Vegas in Nevada is highly populated. This means if a nuclear attack takes place, it will result in massive infrastructure damage and a large amount of casualties. Further, the state has a dry environment and open terrain which means fallout can spread easily. Also, some parts of Nevada are remote due to which there is limited-to-no access to survival resources. This could also make evacuation and delivery of essential resources very tough for the residents.
Arizona
As we all know, a nuclear attack is highly probable, so the state of Arizona is amongst the worst to live in if it happens on US soil. Because it is situated very close to Nevada and California, it can be a primary target. Though Arizona is sparsely populated, but some of its cities such as Tucson and Phoenix are densely populated. This implies that if a nuclear missile is launched in these regions, it will result in severe destruction and a large amount of injuries and deaths. Some parts of Arizona are rural which means there might not be enough facilities to protect people from the harmful radiation. Also, a nuclear attack is massive which means that it might put a lot of burden on the medical facilities and emergency services of Arizona.
Texas
The next state in America that might be worst to live in after a nuclear attack is Texas. The Lone Star State might be one of the worst because of its massive infrastructure including oil refineries, and major power plants. Due to these, Texas can be a primary target of the attack. The cities of this state such as Houston and Dallas are very highly populated which means an attack in these, can lead to a large number of casualties. Texas has varied landscapes including deserts, mountains, plains, and cities which can make evacuation of people difficult, majorly in rural areas. Also, in rural or remote areas, there can be a lack of access to survival resources such as freshwater, food, and medicines.
New Mexico
Because of many reasons including lack of proper infrastructure and dry climate, New Mexico is one of the worst states to live in after a nuclear attack. Because it has many nuclear and military sites such as Kirtland Air Force Base, the state can be a target. New Mexico has very less survival resources and proper infrastructure to fight a nuclear attack because its population is small and is majorly placed in rural areas. Further, desert areas, open landscapes, and the dry climate of the state can cause fallout to spread quickly. Because most of its parts are rural, the availability of medical care and natural resources is very limited in the Land of Enchantment.
North Dakota
The nuclear missile silos are houses in the state of North Dakota, which makes it the primary target for a nuclear attack. The state has a relatively low population density with much of its people living in rural areas. This means that North Dakota has less infrastructure and adequate resources such as shelters, hospitals, and other services to fight a nuclear attack. Further, the state is isolated and has very few evacuation routes which implies that in the event of an attack, it will be difficult to evacuate residents. Because it is located in the Upper Midwest, the state is far away from major states and cities which can make receiving aid or help tough.
Virginia
Another US state where survival possibilities are very low in the event of a nuclear attack is Virginia. Because the state is located very close to Washington DC, it can be a primary target and is likely to suffer massive casualties and damage. Also, the state has a high population density in areas such as Northern Virginia which could suffer a large amount of damage. Due to its geographical location, which is between the Atlantic Ocean and the Appalachian mountains, evacuation during nuclear attack might be difficult. Additionally, it is prone to exposure to harmful radiation.
