As tensions escalate between the US and Iran, people across the world have expressed fears over the potential for global nuclear warfare, and where would be safest to live in the event of a catastrophic attack
Russian propagandist calls for nuclear bomb over London
Following US attacks on three nuclear sites in Iran, fears over escalating nuclear conflict are being felt across the globe, including the UK. And many have expressed concerns over where exactly would be safest, in the event of a catastrophe closer to home.
Iran’s foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, has warned there will be “everlasting consequences” following US President Donald Trump’s confirmation that “great American Warriors” had carried out a “very successful attack” on the sites of Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan.
Taking to social media platform X, Mr Araghchi wrote: “Each and every member of the UN must be alarmed over this extremely dangerous, lawless and criminal behaviour. In accordance with the UN Charter and its provisions allowing a legitimate response in self-defence, Iran reserves all options to defend its sovereignty, interests, and people.”
And as fears over the potential for “World War III” continue to rumble, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has issued the following statement: “Iran’s nuclear programme is a grave threat to international security. Iran can never be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon, and the US has taken action to alleviate that threat.
“The situation in the Middle East remains volatile, and stability in the region is a priority. We call on Iran to return to the negotiating table and reach a diplomatic solution to end this crisis.”
Here, the Mirror looks at the safest places to live in the UK, should the worst come to pass.
According to the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP): “The best way to protect you and your family before, during, and after a nuclear blast is getting inside the centre of a building or basement. On August 6, 1945, Mr Eizo Nomura was in the basement of a building in Hiroshima, about 170 meters from ground zero. He survived the atomic bombing and died in 1982 at the age of 84. Most people within a few hundred metres of a nuclear detonation are not likely to survive, especially if unprepared.
“Be inside before the fallout arrives. After a detonation, you will have 10 minutes or more to find an adequate shelter before fallout arrives. If a multi-story building or a basement can be safely reached within a few minutes of the explosion, go there immediately. The safest buildings have brick or concrete walls. Underground parking garages and subways can also provide good shelter.”
With this in mind, many would automatically assume that London, with its vast underground network, would be the safest location, with the tube tunnels allowing citizens some protection from the blast. This is, of course, where many Londoners sought refuge during the dark days of the Blitz.
However, there are mixed opinions on this front with experts fearing that modern nuclear weapons could penetrate much further than the bombs of World War II, meaning even the 58-metre-deep Hampstead station may still be too close to the surface.
Andrew Futter, a Professor of International Politics at the University of Leicester, previously advised My London that the Underground “probably wouldn’t be deep enough if there was a direct hit”.
Therefore, in the event that a nation targets one of the UK’s major cities – from London to Edinburgh – Brits would need to be outside of the blast zone to have the best chance of survival.
When it comes to the reach of nuclear blasts, there are several factors to bear in mind including a radiation radius of 153 km2, a fireball radius of approximately 197 km2, an air blast radius between 321 km2 and 1,420 km2 and a thermal radiation radius of 12,960 km2.
Although these distances can vary depending on weather conditions, property researchers have previously put together a list of places which should be safer than the cities. These 20 locations, listed by property portal EMoov back in 2017, are outside of the immediate range of blasts on major cities…
- Cornwall
- Weymouth
- Folkestone
- Dover
- Margate
- Clacton-on-Sea
- Felixstowe
- Brixworth
- Bideford
- Aberystwyth
- Skegness
- Isle of Anglesey
- Barrow in Furness
- Lancaster
- Whitby
- Carlisle
- Dumfries
- Berwick-upon-Tweed
- Inverness
However, some of these areas are still close enough to blast sites to be affected by radiation swept over by winds. Therefore, the remote island Foula, on the Shetland Isles, could well be the safest place in the UK in this instance.
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