Nuclear wars cause immediate destruction wherever the first missile strikes. Credit: ShutterStock
It sounds like science fiction, but experts still think about it. What happens if a nuclear conflict begins in Europe?
With geopolitical tensions rising again around the world, the possibility of tactical nuclear weapons being used is very far away, but it is no longer conceivable.
And it brought new questions to the minds of many Europeans: Where is it safest when something unthinkable happens?
Nuclear war means immediate devastation
Nuclear wars cause immediate destruction wherever the first missile strikes. Each nuclear warhead destroys everything within 1-2 kilometres, causing massive fires and fatal gamma radiation.
But the real danger won’t stop there.
Experts say radioactive fallout (particles carried by wind) can contaminate hundreds of kilometers of land, air and water from the initial impact.
Therefore, your level of risk depends on where you are, how the wind is blowing, and how dense your area is.
So who is at the most risk?
Countries close to potential strike targets, such as NATO military bases and strategic cities, say they will face the biggest dangers meteored.
Germany, for example, has several US and NATO air bases.
Located next to Belarus and Russia, Poland can face serious fallout, especially in the east of the country where many NATO facilities are located.
Northern Italy could be at risk as well. Especially near two major military facilities, Aviano and Geddy.
When common winds blow from west to east, radioactive clouds can easily float in major cities such as Berlin, Warsaw and Milan.
And who is (relatively) safe?
Some countries are simply too far away, too isolated, or not important from a military perspective.
And Spain is among them. Although a large country, Spain’s position and lack of important NATO infrastructure has led to its exposure being reduced. Another reason you may feel lucky to live in Spain.
Other safer countries include:
- Ireland – Neutral, politically distant, far away on the western edge of Europe.
- Portugal – Sequestered and located on the extreme southwest of the continent.
- Norway and Sweden – both are geographically north and have low population density. Although he is a member of NATO, the location means that fallout is likely to drop (unless there is a wind blowing from the east).
It is important to mention it again: “Safer” does not mean “safe.” Even in distant countries, they can be affected by long-distance radiation, especially under rare weather patterns in eastern winds.
What will happen to your health?
For people exposed to radiation near the site of the explosion, symptoms can begin within hours, including nausea, vomiting, skin burns, and in severe cases death within days.
Furthermore, long-term health risks are still serious. Even moderate exposures can increase the risk of leukemia and thyroid cancer, particularly when food and water are contaminated by radioisotopes such as iodine-131.
This is why some governments stockpile potassium iodide. This is a substance that radioactive iodine helps prevent thyroid damage.
What can you do in such a situation?
The most effective protection steps are:
- Evacuate underground or in thick concrete buildings.
- Take potassium iodide tablets in the first few hours after exposure.
- Remove contaminated clothing and cleans exposed skin.
These measures can make a difference, but only if implemented with prompt and clear public adjustments.
Obviously there is no real winner
Some countries may be “good luck” geographically than others, but in the event of a nuclear exchange, parts of Europe are not entirely safe. Radical fallout does not respect boundaries. Nuclear war is devastating for all of us.
So, in these disturbing and geopolitical times, diplomacy remains the most powerful tool.
Nuclear wars cause immediate destruction wherever the first missile strikes.
