Eighty years have passed since the first use of an atomic bomb on August 6 and 9, 1945, during World War II. The devastating attacks on Hiroshima and Nagasaki killed approximately 78,000 people instantly, leaving around 90,000 fatalities by the end of 1945.
Most survivors were children when the bombs were dropped and can vividly recall those fateful days. They describe seeing bright lights and intense heat before the effects of the bombing became apparent. Buildings crumbled, windows shattered, and people suffered severe injuries, including burns and disfiguring wounds.
The aftermath was dire, with survivors facing food shortages, limited medical care, and a lack of basic necessities. Many had to build makeshift shelters, gather edible fruits from trees, and even eat bee eggs to survive. Some survivors also experienced long-term health effects, such as miscarriages, birth defects, and leukemia.
Today, the survivors’ testimonies serve as a poignant reminder of the devastating consequences of nuclear warfare. The documentary “Atomic People” sheds light on this tragic event, highlighting the ongoing need for greater compensation and abolition of nuclear weapons to prevent such atrocities from happening again.
Source: https://time.com/7306986/atomic-people-true-story-pbs