Rome city centre sits 0 m from Rome, the most plausible strategic target in the area (medium targeting confidence). Modelled strike: 300 kt airburst.
Estimated survival chance at city centre: 0% · Estimated metro fatalities: 164.3K, injuries: 197.9K
What a strike on Rome would mean
A 300 kt detonation produces a fireball 646 m across in radius. Reinforced concrete fails out to 2.3 km (20 psi). Most residential buildings collapse within 4.6 km (5 psi), and windows shatter dangerously out to 10.4 km (1 psi). Anyone in line of sight within 6.9 km suffers third-degree burns from the thermal pulse.
An airburst maximises blast damage but produces minimal local fallout, so for Rome the dominant risks are blast and thermal effects rather than radiation.
Most plausible targets near Rome
| Target | Type | Distance | Assumed yield | Confidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rome | government | 0 km | 300 kt | medium |
| Ghedi Air Base, Italy (B61) | military | 431 km | 300 kt | high |
| Aviano Air Base, Italy | military | 459 km | 300 kt | high |
| Milan industrial belt | industrial | 477 km | 150 kt | low |
| Zurich financial centre | city | 684 km | 150 kt | low |
Key blast radii (300 kt airburst)
| Effect | Radius | What happens |
|---|---|---|
| Fireball | 646 m | Complete vaporisation |
| 20 psi blast | 2.3 km | Hardened structures destroyed, ~100% fatalities |
| 5 psi blast | 4.6 km | Most buildings collapse, widespread fatalities |
| 3rd-degree burns | 6.9 km | Full-thickness burns to exposed skin |
| 500 rem radiation | 2.4 km | Lethal dose without medical care |
| 1 psi blast | 10.4 km | Window breakage, light damage, glass injuries |
How Rome can prepare
With a population density of 2,200 people/km², Rome'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.
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