To ask how long it will take to die if we do get nuked

[MagicalRealist]

Just this really. How quick? I know the warning, if there is one, will only be a few minutes so nowhere near enough time to get to school and be with DC. But when the bombs hit, is it just a flash of light and then oblivion? Or a longer scarier process? Obviously I hope none of this will actually happen.

Where are Mumsnet's servers based? If they're not blown up, those of us who are still alive can let you know how we've got on

Sorry ImperfectTents. I know it's a horrible thing to be talking about but the North Korea stuff seems to be escalating rapidly and it does look like there's a real possibility that this could actually happen. And I know lots of people find it easier not to think about it but I can't help it.

We're rural but about 30 minutes from a major airbase. DH did some calculations and concluded that if the base was hit the worst we'd get would possibly be our windows being blown out. Other than that we'd be fine. He's a professor of nuclear chemistry so hopefully knows what he's talking about.

Scared myself more now though Ninja lol

If you aren't lucky enough to be vaporised with the bomb then it's a long slow horrible death, radiation sickness, breakdown of society so no food, fuel, power, communication...

You can use this nuclear bomb simulator to see what the effect might be. Choose the size of your bomb, location, and thermal, pressure or fallout map.

Happy days

It depends on how the bomb was targeted ...

I have a vague recollection that current practice is for an airburst which will not damage much materially, but create a nasty fallout which will polish off any survivors.

Slowly.

Those of us of a certain age will remember they were working on a "neutron bomb" in the 1980s which was primarily intended to kill, not damage buildings and infrastructure.

The UKs ability to return fire is currently (and quietly) diminished, due to various issues with the current fleet.

As a child of the 80s what is happening at the moment really doesn't trouble me. It's all posturing imo. Things would have to escalate A LOT before nuclear war becomes a possibility.

Worriedrose I'm not asking what the chances of surviving are I'm well aware that it's close to zero. Just wondering how long the process is likely to take, basically how long it's going to be terrifying and painful.

It will be poison rain andacm of light that will get us, as we are too far from the Pacific.

Thanks for the links luluuu, ninja and Scarzo.

What exactly are you worried about? North Korea stands no chance of hitting Britain or Ireland. Not that they'd start a war, they know they stand no chance of winning. China will only attack if North Korea is attacked without provocation and even then Trump would be the only one potentially stupid enough to instigate the war therefore China would fire on the U.S. not us. I like to think Trump would heed the advise of his generals and not start a war.

Meh, hopefully it'll be like season 6 in 24, apparently the fall out from that nuclear mushroom was of such little interest nobody even mentioned it in subsequent series.

All those weirdos growing weed on their patios don't seem so weird now.

I'm terrified that NK will nuke Japan and that we'll then be drawn into a wider conflict when the USA reacts to it.

I'm in London. I'm assuming and hoping it will be instant.

Op, I've been a bit lighthearted on here but I'm sensing you are genuinely worried. It makes me feel sick if I actually stop to properly think about it, so I'm going with thhim attitude that I can't stop this happening if it's going to, so I'll cross that bridge then and not worry about it. Also, horrific as it sounds, I would be planning on smothering Ds in his sleep (god I feel horrendous even typing that) and then having some jack Daniels and pills myself. Yes it's a grim and horrific sounding plan, but It makes me feel in control to know that if the shit hits the fan then I would do that rather than him / I suffer prolonged period.

Chin up though, you can't ruin living for worrying about dying!

Maybe we should stock up on cyanide pills just in case.

What exactly are you worried about? North Korea stands no chance of hitting Britain or Ireland.

Logic and nuclear war aren't bedfellows ...

Surely if china nuked the US, they'd also do the same to us?

I live practically in the shadow of a nuclear power station (and a fuckton of chemical manufacturing plants that make some pretty nasty stuff) so I think I'm screwed either way.

I very much doubt it'll ever get to that point. The USA has powerful enough conventional bombs to do a lot of damage.

Cyanide for the pessimists, iodine for the optimists.

As a child of the 80s what is happening at the moment really doesn't trouble me. It's all posturing imo. Things would have to escalate A LOT before nuclear war becomes a possibility.

+1 (well more 70s ...).

And when I was growing up, people were remembering the Cuban Missile Crisis. Which makes current events look like a teddy bears tea party.

Expat living in Hong Kong here. I don't believe that our neighbours to the north would be likely to do anything rash in a hurry, but there's no denying that Trump having his finger on the button is deeply concerning for those of us in East Asia.

NK and USA are the other side of the world. We would get the rain as we did after the Russian reactor was destroyed and darkness which would effect our ability to drink water and produce food.