The global threat posed by nuclear weapons has spiked into gear in recent months due to Russian President Vladimir Putin’s decision to launch a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Previously, atomic bombs were only used in combat during World War II, which led to the destruction of the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
Can you survive the atomic bomb?
The chances of survival for anyone in what is known as the “explosion zone” of an atomic bomb are nearly impossible.
But for those who are out now, there is some hope of survival.
There is no clear way to estimate the effect of a single atomic bomb, as it depends on many factors, including the weather on the day it was dropped.
READ MORE: Ukraine wipes out Russian troops by dropping grenades from drones
Radiation or nuclear fallout is among the most dangerous threats to anyone who detonates an atomic bomb.
You will need to find a safe building and shield yourself to give yourself the best chance of not being exposed to it.
A reinforced bunker or basement would lend itself particularly well in this situation, although if that’s not possible then going inside the nearest building would be your best option.
Once indoors you should remove any contaminated clothing and wipe or wash unprotected skin if you were outside.
As you wait, you should try and tune into any media available for official information such as where it is safe to exit and where you should go.
For example, battery-operated and hand-crank radios would work after a nuclear explosion.
Of course, even when you are allowed to step out from the effects of a nuclear fallout, it will remain in place indefinitely and make any area practically habitable.
In fact, the dangers posed by nuclear weapons have kept countries from using them in war for more than 70 years now.
Which countries have nuclear weapons?
According to the Federation of American Scientists, Russia is estimated to have the largest stockpile of nuclear weapons in the world.
The total amount earned by Moscow is 6,257, nearly 1,000 more than the US, which has the second largest arsenal of 5,600.
Completing the top five countries on this list are China (350), France (290) and the UK (225).
Pakistan and India are considered the only other nations globally to have more than 100 nuclear weapons.
