Nagasaki Day 2023: Date, History, Significance, Facts

Hеrе arе somе facts about thе day of bombing in Nagasaki:

• The bombing of Nagasaki took place on August 9, 1945, three days after the bombing of Hiroshima.

• The bomb dropped on Nagasaki was a plutonium implosion-type bomb, codenamed "Fat Man". It was about 3.25 metres (10 feet 8 inches) in length and weighed approximately 4,670 kilograms (10,300 pounds).

• The B-29 bomber, named "Bockscar", carried the bomb. The plane was piloted by Major Charles W. Sweeney and had a crew of 13 members.

• Initially, the city of Kokura was the primary target, but due to visibility issues caused by smoke and cloud cover, the bomber was diverted to its secondary target, Nagasaki.

• The bomb exploded at an altitude of approximately 500 metres (1,640 feet) over the city, with an estimated yield of 21 kilotons of TNT.

• It is estimated that by the end of 1945, 40,000 to 75,000 people were killed as a result of the blast and subsequent fallout. Many more were injured, and the city's infrastructure was largely destroyed.

• Those who survived the immediate blast faced horrific injuries, radiation sickness, and long-term health issues.

• The bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki played a significant role in Japan's decision to surrender, effectively leading to the end of World War II. Japan announced its unconditional surrender on August 15, 1945.

• Survivors of the bombing, known as "hibakusha", faced not only physical ailments but also social stigma and discrimination. The long-term effects of radiation exposure continue to be studied and are still seen in the descendants of the survivors.

• In Nagasaki, the Atomic Bomb Museum and the Nagasaki Peace Park stand as poignant reminders of the event and a call for global peace and the abolition of nuclear weapons.