Britain is facing increasing worries about its susceptibility to nuclear attacks in the midst of rising global tensions. RAF Lakenheath in Suffolk, under US operation, is anticipated to store US/NATO nuclear weapons soon, positioning the UK at the frontline of potential conflicts between the US and Russia.
The presence of American nuclear arms on British territory significantly heightens the country’s risk of becoming a target. Analysts in the military realm suggest that in a wartime scenario, Lakenheath would likely be a primary target before other regions are struck.
While experts recognize the devastating global impact of a nuclear conflict involving the US, NATO, and Russia, it is essential to understand the direct ramifications for British communities. The Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament cautions that a single nuclear strike on any town or city would have catastrophic consequences for the local populace and environment, with far-reaching radioactive effects.
Their report highlights that if a Russian warhead, like an SS-25 or SS-27, were to hit London, nearly one million people would perish. Similarly, an attack on Glasgow could result in 326,000 casualties, and in Cardiff, 196,000 lives would be lost.
The center of a nuclear blast is projected to reach temperatures in the millions of degrees Celsius. Consequently, a heat flash would eradicate all human tissue within a 1.5 square mile area.
In 1945, when the US dropped atomic bombs on Hiroshima in Japan, shadows seared into stone were all that remained within a half-mile radius. The bombings claimed up to 200,000 lives, mostly civilians.
It is believed that individuals in buildings up to four miles from the blast would succumb to the explosion and ensuing firestorm as structures ignite from the intense heat. Additionally, individual fires would combine to create a firestorm, consuming all available oxygen in the vicinity.
In such extreme temperatures, air would be drawn in from the periphery at ground level, generating hurricane-like fiery winds. Those seeking refuge underground, though surviving the initial blast, would perish due to lack of oxygen.
The report indicates that the immediate fatality rate in this zone would exceed 90%. Beyond the zone of instant devastation, fatalities would gradually increase among survivors of the initial explosion. Approximately seven miles from the blast site, individuals would suffer lethal burns, requiring amputations, blindness, or internal injuries.
Unlike typical disasters, the high mortality rate would hamper emergency response efforts as most personnel and equipment would be incapacitated. The overwhelming number of casualties would strain medical resources, with individuals up to 11 miles away potentially sustaining injuries from shattered windows or structural damage.
In the days following, even survivors would face the impact of radioactive fallout, with many succumbing within a week to various symptoms, including hair loss, bleeding gums, fever, vomiting, and internal bleeding.
Individuals with lower exposure levels would still encounter complications, especially pregnant women at risk of miscarriage and birth issues. Long-term effects could include radiation-induced cancers affecting civilians for up to two decades post-event.
Children of those exposed to radiation are statistically more prone to abnormalities and leukemia. Beyond public health concerns, nuclear weapons pose severe threats to the environment and climate on an unprecedented scale.
Forecasts indicate that following a nuclear conflict, two billion people may confront starvation due to climate disturbances impacting food production.