Experts estimate that at least 2.3 million Koreans will die and be wounded if US nuclear missiles target Pyongyang.
Tensions on the Korean Peninsula continue to rise after Pyongyang's launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), the Hwasong-15, that is capable of reaching the American continent.
According to analysts, the North's provocative actions could lead to unpredictable consequences, especially the risk that US President Donald Trump decides to blow up the pre-emptive nuclear strike, which can not be measured. in Korea, according to National Interest.
Pyongyang's capital will be the prime target for the nuclear strike from the United States. Military expert Daniel R. DePetris estimates damage if the US detonated a nuclear warhead equivalent to 750,000 tons of TNT in Pyongyang.
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Damage from a nuclear warhead to Pyongyang. Graphics: Nuclear Secrecy.
The warhead would create a fireball with a radius of 1.1 km and kill every victim in a 4 km2 area around the center of the explosion. 90% of people within 2.4 km radius will die from radiation infection if not treated promptly. Shock waves from the explosion can spread more than 4 km, destroying most civilian works. Finally, victims in a radius of 9.5 km from the explosion center will suffer a third degree burn if not shielded.
It is estimated that 1.5 million people in Pyongyang are killed in the attack, or nearly 6 percent of the population. The number of casualties will be about 855,410, pushing the total casualties to more than 2.3 million. In the case of US missile strikes carrying several independent nuclear warheads, the consequences for North Korea could be more catastrophic.
The terrible damage from a nuclear-nautical strike could be the most effective way to stop North Korea from actively attacking the United States, which has prompted Pyongyang to stop developing weapons of mass destruction. Not really intent on attacking the enemy, DePetris said.
Duy Son
