One nuclear warhead could 'wipe out 1m people in London with blast and firestorm'
News September 28, 2025

One nuclear warhead could 'wipe out 1m people in London with blast and firestorm'

Google's chatbot, Gemini hypothesised what would happen if a nuclear blast was to hit the UK and warned of an 'immense fireball' that would 'vaporise and destroy everything'

A chilling scenario painted by Google's Gemini chatbot has revealed the devastating potential impact of a single nuclear warhead detonating over London, estimating that it could instantly kill up to one million people through the initial blast and subsequent firestorm. The AI's grim prediction underscores the catastrophic consequences of nuclear weapons and serves as a stark reminder of the destructive power they possess.

When prompted to simulate the aftermath of a nuclear strike on the UK capital, Gemini, Google's advanced AI model, described an "immense fireball" that would immediately "vaporize and destroy everything" within a significant radius of the point of impact. The chatbot further explained that the initial blast wave would flatten buildings and cause widespread destruction for miles around, leaving few structures standing.

Beyond the immediate destruction, Gemini highlighted the terrifying threat of a firestorm. This phenomenon, characterized by intense, self-sustaining fires fueled by the debris and flammable materials ignited by the blast, could engulf vast swathes of the city. The AI warned that such a firestorm would create hurricane-force winds, sucking in oxygen and further intensifying the flames, effectively incinerating everything in its path.

The chatbot emphasized that the estimate of one million fatalities was a conservative one, focusing primarily on the immediate effects of the blast and fire. The long-term consequences, including radiation exposure, infrastructure collapse, and widespread societal breakdown, would undoubtedly lead to significantly higher death tolls and immeasurable suffering.

While the scenario presented by Gemini is a hypothetical one, it serves as a powerful illustration of the devastating potential of nuclear weapons. The AI's analysis underscores the urgent need for continued efforts towards nuclear disarmament and the prevention of nuclear conflict, reminding us that the stakes are incredibly high when it comes to these weapons of mass destruction. The chatbot's chilling hypothesis serves as a stark and unsettling reminder of the unimaginable devastation that nuclear war could unleash.
Category: World