Nuclear Impact Analysis · Tanzania

Is Dar es Salaam safe from a nuclear strike?

We modelled the most plausible strategic targets around Dar es Salaam and simulated blast, thermal, radiation and fallout effects against its 4,400,000 metro residents.

100/100
MINIMAL RISK

Dar es Salaam city centre sits 666.3 km from Nairobi, the most plausible strategic target in the area (low targeting confidence). Modelled strike: 100 kt airburst.

Estimated survival chance at city centre: 99% · Estimated metro fatalities: 93.7K, injuries: 112.8K

Run the interactive simulation for Dar es Salaam →

What a strike on Nairobi would mean

A 100 kt detonation produces a fireball 416 m across in radius. Reinforced concrete fails out to 1.6 km (20 psi). Most residential buildings collapse within 3.2 km (5 psi), and windows shatter dangerously out to 7.2 km (1 psi). Anyone in line of sight within 4.4 km suffers third-degree burns from the thermal pulse.

An airburst maximises blast damage but produces minimal local fallout, so for Dar es Salaam the dominant risks are blast and thermal effects rather than radiation.

Most plausible targets near Dar es Salaam

TargetTypeDistanceAssumed yieldConfidence
Nairobicity666 km100 ktlow
Johannesburgcity2461 km100 ktlow
Riyadhgovernment3595 km150 ktmedium
Diego Garciamilitary3664 km300 ktmedium
Ras Tanura, Saudi Arabiaenergy3901 km300 kthigh

Key blast radii (100 kt airburst)

EffectRadiusWhat happens
Fireball416 mComplete vaporisation
20 psi blast1.6 kmHardened structures destroyed, ~100% fatalities
5 psi blast3.2 kmMost buildings collapse, widespread fatalities
3rd-degree burns4.4 kmFull-thickness burns to exposed skin
500 rem radiation1.9 kmLethal dose without medical care
1 psi blast7.2 kmWindow breakage, light damage, glass injuries

How Dar es Salaam can prepare

With a population density of 3,000 people/km², Dar es Salaam's outcome would hinge on the first hour. The guidance is identical everywhere: get inside, stay inside, stay tuned. A basement or the core of a large concrete building cuts fallout exposure by a factor of 10 or more, and radiation decays fast — dose rates fall ~90% within the first 7 hours and ~99% within two days.

Check your exact address in Dar es Salaam →
Model disclaimer: These are research-grade estimates from open scaling laws (Glasstone & Dolan, 1977), not predictions. Actual outcomes depend on burst height, weapon choice, weather, terrain and sheltering. In any real emergency follow official civil-defence guidance.

Compare with other cities

PerthWinnipegXi'anIncheonNew YorkMiamiVancouverFrankfurt