A newly released map predicts that a sudden nuclear attack could wipe out up to 75% of the U.S. population, leaving nearly 250 million people in ashes within seconds. Created by Design Project Halcyon Maps, the map utilizes data from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to illustrate the catastrophic effects of a nuclear strike, including blast radius, fallout spread, radiation exposure, and population density risks.
Densely populated regions—including the East Coast, Midwest, West Coast, and Southern states—are identified as primary targets. Areas like California, much of the East Coast, and sections of the Midwest would be heavily impacted by radioactive fallout, requiring survivors to remain sheltered for weeks to avoid lethal radiation exposure. While regions such as western Texas, Nevada, Michigan, and Wisconsin may avoid immediate destruction, they would still become uninhabitable due to nuclear winter effects and radiation poisoning.
U.S. Military Bases and Nuclear Strike Risks
The illustrated map marks over 100 military sites, highlighting the locations of Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) silos in states like Montana, Colorado, Wyoming, and North Dakota. These military facilities would be among the first to be targeted in the event of a nuclear strike.
Missiles launched from Russia or China could reach the U.S. mainland within 30 minutes, while submarine-based launches near American borders could strike within just 15 minutes. Russia currently possesses approximately 5,580 nuclear warheads, surpassing the U.S.’s arsenal of 5,044, while China maintains between 500 and 600 warheads.
Experts Warn of Rising Nuclear Threats
Researchers caution that the risk of nuclear conflict has significantly escalated in recent years. Princeton experts attribute this heightened threat to the U.S. and Russia abandoning long-standing arms control agreements, developing new nuclear weapon systems, and broadening the circumstances under which they might deploy nuclear weapons.
Dr. John Schuessler, an associate professor of international affairs at Texas A&M University, echoed these concerns in an interview with the Daily Mail. He acknowledged American fears of being drawn into global conflicts but noted that the U.S. has so far managed to avoid direct involvement in ongoing wars in Europe and the Middle East.
As global tensions rise, experts emphasize the urgent need for renewed diplomatic efforts to prevent nuclear escalation and mitigate the looming threats to global security