The danger of nuclear threat is one of the most serious threats the world could face. The recent tensions between Ukraine and Russia have raised fears about what might happen if Vladimir Putin, the Russian President, launched nuclear missiles. Recently, a World War 3 atomic attack map has revealed which areas in the United Kingdom as well as the United States would be damaged if Putin launched its missiles, focusing on military bases, large cities, and essential facilities such as hospitals.
The UK has recently supplied Ukraine with long-range Storm Shadow missiles that the Ukrainian forces have used to target Russia. Responding to this, Putin ratified a policy that permits the use of nuclear weapons if Russia feels threatened. Also, the UK is providing a protective shield to Israel and Ukraine, due to which rumours of World War 3 are spreading. As concerns are rising, people around the world are curious to know which areas are the most vulnerable and safest if a nuclear attack happens. So, below, we will provide you a glimpse into it, as an interactive nuclear attack map has just been unveiled.
Greater London, The Capital City Is The Prime Target
According to the World War 3 nuclear attack map, the first area that is the most vulnerable is the capital city of the United Kingdom, Greater London. The defense officials of the UK government have identified 38 cities and towns in Britain that could be probable nuclear targets if Vladimir Putin launches missiles and World War 3 occurs. Also, it is believed that due to London’s high-profile status, global power, influence, and historical significance, the Russian president could see it as an attractive target.
The region of London is a significant concern because it has a population of around 8.8 million, constituting 13% of the entire UK population. Therefore, it is said that if Russia launches nuclear missiles or if a nuclear device is detonated in the heart of the city, then Trafalgar Square, which is located near Buckingham Palace and the National Portrait Gallery, would likely be in greater danger. Further, it is assumed by some officials that Vladimir Putin is planning on launching the Tsar Bomba, which is the most giant bomb developed by Russia. It is believed that if this bomb is deployed, then the damages will be catastrophic.
The Westminster Area Is Also Under The Radar
The next area in the United Kingdom that will get destroyed if Russian President Vladimir Putin launches nuclear missiles is the Westminster area. According to the World War 3 nuclear attack map, if Russia feels threatened, it will launch nuclear missiles, and the Westminster area will be the next to get damaged. In addition, there are speculations that if a massive explosion happens in this area, some of London’s famous landmarks might also get destroyed. Also, nothing in the fireball radius or the immediate area of the blast would survive because nuclear attacks are highly destructive. However, the areas located farther from the centre of the explosion would have a better chance of survival. Though they will be damaged, they will not be as severe as the areas closer to the explosion.
Half Of Surrey And Some Parts Of Essex Are Highly Vulnerable
Now, the nuclear attack map has also revealed that nearly half of Surrey and some parts of Essex, including Southend-On-Sea, Chelmsford, Buckinghamshire’s High Wycombe, and half of Milton Keynes, are among the areas that are most vulnerable to Putin’s nuclear missile attack. It is said that people living in these areas can expect third-degree burns to extend throughout the layers of skin. Also, they would be painless because these explosions destroy the pain nerves. However, they can cause severe disablement or scarring and even require the need of amputation.
Light Blast Damages Could Be Suffered By Oxford, Cambridge, Canterbury, And Other Surrounding Areas
Apart from the areas mentioned above, Milton Keynes’ remaining parts, Oxford, Canterbury, Cambridge, Colchester, Brighton, and their other surrounding areas, will be prone to light blast damages if Putin launches nuclear missiles. It is said that these areas are far enough from the main point of the explosion to avoid the worst effects, however, people living in these areas would still see the bright flash from the bomb which could break glass windows, causing grave injuries. There will still be radiation in these zones, but they will not be as much as those in the closer areas. Also, these areas would be used as an example to show what lighter damage looks like in cities affected by nuclear missiles.
Some Effects Of The Nuclear Missiles Will Be Experienced By Winchester
The city of Winchester, located near the area where the blast is probable, would suffer some effects. Still, the worst damages would stop there because, according to the World War 3 nuclear attack map, it lies outside the radius. Other cities such as Ipswich, Portsmouth, Ely, and Salisbury are far from the blast point, meaning they will avoid severe damage but might still experience some effects. Therefore, these areas are spared from the worst destruction outside the main bombing area.
If Manchester Is Struck, The Northwest Region Will Be Majorly Impacted
Another area that can be the centre of a nuclear explosion by Vladimir Putin is Manchester. It is stated that according to the World War 3 atomic attack map, if a nuclear attack happens in the area of Manchester, then the region of Northwest would be badly impacted. The atomic explosion could severely affect cities such as Liverpool, parts of the Midlands, Sheffield, and Stroke-On-Trent, leading to widespread fires and radiation exposure. Significant concerns have risen for the areas as the population of Manchester is 2,812,000 as of 2024. It is assumed that if a nuclear bomb is dropped on the Central Retail District near the Northern Quarter, the entire area will be dead, including Stretford, Droylsden, Eccles, and Failsworth. Further, areas in the moderate damage zone are Rochdale, Bolton, Northwich, Ripponden, Macclesfield, and Warrington.
Nuclear Attack In Cardiff Would Destroy Half Of Wales
If Cardiff, the capital of Wales, is struck by a nuclear missile launched by Vladimir Putin, then it might lead to the destruction of half of Wales. The recently unveiled World War 3 atomic attack map shows that the blast radius would damage much of the surrounding area of Cardiff, with significant destruction reaching cities such as Newport. It is stated that around 700,000 people will be put at risk of immediate death. Also, the towns located farther away are prone to experiencing light blast damage such as radiation, fallout, and even infrastructure collapse. Further, the effects on the people and environment would be lasting. Cities such as Swansea, Bath, Wells, and Bristol will experience thermal radiation. Long-term effects of nuclear missiles will be suffered by people living in Exeter, Herefordshire, and Gloucester.
Another Affected Area Might Be Glasgow
If Vladimir Putin launches a nuclear missile on Scotland’s largest city Glasgow, then mich of the lowlands or the regions surrounding it would be completely damaged. With a population of approximately 600,000, the region will be reduced to debris instantly if a nuclear attack takes place. Further, people living in the areas of Edinburgh, Stirling, and Dunfermline will suffer harsh burns and also have high chances of fires. According to the World War 3 nuclear attack map, the area of Perth will experience significant damage but Dundee will face less destruction. Also, the Highlands, which are located farther from the explosion point, would remain unaffected.
Major Cities Of United States Will Face Severe Damages If Putin Launches Nuclear Missiles
Russian President, Vladimir President has recently issued a warning to the United States by lowering the conditions under which Russia might use nuclear weapons, hinting that even a wider range of attacks could trigger a nuclear response. This means that any attack by a non-nuclear power aided by a nuclear power, would be considered a joint attack. This step has come in response to the reports which state that Ukraine has launched US-made ATACMS missiles on Russia. Further, the policy change came just 2 days after when it was confirmed that Joe Biden’s administration allowed Ukraine to use its missiles to attack Russia. Further, it has been said that along with the UK, cities of the USA will also be at greater risk if Putin launches nuclear missiles. New York, Los Angeles, and Washington might be the primary targets but regions such as Chicago, and Miami will be affected by radiation.
New Oreshnik Hypersonic Missile Is A Rising Concern
Recently, the Russian President has warned that he now has a new Oreshnik hypersonic missile, which has the potential to reach British soil in just twenty minutes. It is said that the Oreshnik missile might be a rebranded or improved version of the RS-26 Rubezh missile. Though the warnings have been issued, several reports have suggested that this missile is currently in its experimental stage, and Russia has a handful of them. In addition to this, it is important to remember that this is not a nuclear weapon. Previously, it was estimated that Russia had around 5580 nuclear warheads, whereas the United States had 5044 nuclear warheads. In comparison, the United Kingdom has approximately 225 nuclear warheads.
