Britain’s nuclear arsenal could be wiped out in a devastating atomic blast if a bomb is dropped on the country’s most prominent defence base.
A new online tool has shown the disastrous impact of a nuclear blast in Scotland, which could cost more than 200,000 lives across the country, reports the Scottish Daily Express.
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Nukemap, built by nuclear historian Alex Wellerstein, has shown the potentially catastrophic outcomes if tensions between Russia and Ukraine continue to the point that conflict involving other major world powers becomes likely.
The Faslane base, the home for Britain’s Trident nuclear deterrent, would be a prime target, while Edinburgh may also be in the firing line as Scotland’s political capital.
A weapon already in Russia’s arsenal – the Topol (SS-25) – if dropped on the Scottish Parliament at Holyrood, could cause over 226,000 deaths and 244,000 injuries, according to Nukemap.
The blast range of the 800kt bomb would obliterate the entirety of the Scottish capital, with the effects being felt as far north as Kirkcaldy, and south as far as Penicuik.
Two main hospitals in the city - the Western General and Liberton hospital - would also be directly in the firing line and Edinburgh Airport would feel the tail end of the effects on the outskirts.
The news comes after mounting concerns as Russian president Vladimir Putin has been flexing his muscles amid increased tensions with the West over Ukraine.
He spent Saturday watching massive nuclear drills, which involved multiple practice missile launches.
The Faslane base is home to the UK's armoury of nuclear submarines, loaded with Trident devices.
Despite being on the coast and away from large city areas, a direct hit on Faslane could claim the lives of over 6,630 people with over 46,000 potential injuries.
Helensburgh and Gourock are most likely to be affected with the coastal town of Dunoon potentially being able to feel light blasts that could shatter windows and cause significant injuries.
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Nukemap shows US and UK bombs could cause as much damage to Moscow – should they ever be used.
A W-76, a weapon common in the UK and France’s arsenals, could kill 250,000 and injure 1 million, reports The Metro.
The massive 15mt Castle Bravo – the largest bomb the US has ever tested – would not only kill or injure nearly 8 million but could result in radiation spreading nearly 1,000km away from the blast site.
According to the Federation of American Scientists (FAS), Russia has a suspected nuclear arsenal of 6,257 warheads.
With 5,550, the US has slightly less and its Nato allies France and UK have 290 and 225 respectively.
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