Experts have raised concerns over potential nuclear targets across the United States. A chilling map has surfaced, stating areas most likely to be targeted in the event of a nuclear attack, with implications for national security.
The map, which has garnered attention amid Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and other conflicts worldwide, pinpoints possible targets in every state of America.
While major cities such as New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles are traditionally thought to be at risk due to economic importance and population density, the map reveals a broader scope of potential targets, including regions in the East and along the California coast.
Notably, states like Montana and North Dakota are identified as key targets due to the presence of numerous nuclear weapons and launch sites. The western states of Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, and Wyoming also feature prominently on the map, with active nuclear power plants identified as significant targets.
According to reports, there are approximately 90 active nuclear power plants scattered across the US, with states like Alabama, Arizona, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Tennessee hosting such facilities.
Furthermore, areas with intercontinental ballistic missile silos, military bases, and nuclear weapon storage sites are also highlighted as potential targets.
However, experts suggest that regions with lower population densities, such as rural Idaho, Maine, Northern California, and Oregon, may be relatively safer.
The origins of the map trace back to a CBS article from 2015, which purportedly utilized information from FEMA, Medicine and Global Survival, and the National Resources Defense Council.
While FEMA has distanced itself from the map, stating that it has not released any formal designation of potential nuclear targets, the concerns raised by experts underscore the need for preparedness and vigilance.
Recent statements from Russian President Vladimir Putin regarding the use of nuclear weapons outside of Ukraine have further fueled apprehensions.
Putin’s remarks about potential policy shifts regarding the first use of nuclear arms in military conflicts have intensified international scrutiny and prompted calls for diplomatic resolutions to mitigate nuclear threats.