As an expert in the field of historical events, particularly focusing on the impact of warfare on societies, I am well-versed in the devastating effects of nuclear weapons. The atomic bombing of Hiroshima is one of the most tragic and significant events in human history. On August 6, 1945, the United States dropped an atomic bomb on the city of Hiroshima, Japan, during World War II. This event marked the first time a nuclear weapon had been used in warfare and resulted in the deaths of tens of thousands of people, with many more suffering from the long-term effects of radiation.

The Hiroshima bomb, known as "Little Boy," was detonated almost 600 meters above the city, unleashing an explosion equivalent to 15 kilotons of TNT. The blast radius was immense, with a thermal wave that caused immediate deaths and severe burns to those in its path. The radiation emitted was also a significant factor, causing both immediate and long-term health issues. The city itself was largely destroyed, with buildings and infrastructure reduced to rubble.

Survivors of the bombing, known as hibakusha, faced an array of challenges. The initial explosion killed an estimated 70,000 to 80,000 people instantly. However, many others survived the initial blast, only to face the harrowing aftermath.
Tsutomu Yamaguchi, as you mentioned, is one such individual who survived not only the Hiroshima bombing but also the subsequent bombing of Nagasaki, making him a double hibakusha. His story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable tragedy.

Yamaguchi was in Hiroshima on a business trip when the bomb was dropped. Being approximately 3 kilometers from the hypocenter, he was severely burned on his left side but managed to survive the night. His survival is a rare and remarkable instance, as many others in closer proximity did not fare as well. The Japanese government officially recognized him as a double hibakusha on March 24, 2009, which highlights the unique and tragic nature of his experience.

The number of survivors is difficult to determine with precision, as many records were destroyed in the bombing, and the chaos that ensued made it challenging to account for everyone. However, it is estimated that around 200,000 people were in Hiroshima at the time of the bombing, and of those, approximately 140,000 to 150,000 were killed by the end of 1945. This leaves a significant number of survivors, many of whom faced ongoing health challenges due to the effects of the bomb.

The survivors, or hibakusha, have played a crucial role in educating the world about the horrors of nuclear warfare. Their stories of survival, resilience, and the ongoing struggle with the health effects of radiation exposure have been instrumental in advocating for nuclear disarmament and peace.

In conclusion, the survivors of the Hiroshima bomb represent a diverse group of individuals who experienced the full spectrum of human suffering and resilience. Their stories, like that of Tsutomu Yamaguchi, provide a poignant reminder of the devastating consequences of nuclear warfare and the importance of working towards a peaceful and nuclear-free world.

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On March 24, 2009, the Japanese government officially recognized Tsutomu Yamaguchi (1916-C2010) as a double hibakusha. Tsutomu Yamaguchi was confirmed to be 3 kilometers from ground zero in Hiroshima on a business trip when the bomb was detonated. He was seriously burnt on his left side and spent the night in Hiroshima.read more >>