It has been over 50 years since the nuclear bombs devastated Hiroshima and Nagasaki but the effects can be felt till today. Amidst rising tensions between the US and North Korea, an atom bomb survivor has strongly urged a ban on nuclear weapons. A Japanese survivor who has lived in the shadows of nuclear devastation has appealed to the world to put a total end to the production and use of weapons of mass destruction. The survivor, Tokuko Kimura was just ten years old when the atomic bomb “Fat Man” wrecked havoc on Nagasaki. Now 82, Tokuko has been part of many campaigns and events against anti-nuclear weapons.
Kimura saw the devastation from her own eyes when thousands perished during the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in World War II. This marked the nuclear weapons era in the world and an insatiable race to produce weapons of mass destruction. Since 1945 almost ten nations have developed a nuclear arsenal and are capable of destroying any nation. Many nations have since become a threat to mankind as they have developed nuclear weapons under controversial circumstances. North Korea, Pakistan, India, and Iran have been nations under the scanner.
Recalling her horrific experience, Kimura shared her experience with the media. According to her, the bombings happened in an instant but left an unforgettable scar in the lives of survivors. Kimura along with Akira Kawasaki was present at the UN headquarters to demand a ban on nuclear weapons. Akira Kawasaki won the 2017 Nobel Peace Prize for being part of the International Campaign against Nuclear Weapons (ICAN). Both Kimura and Akira raised their concerns about the success of the campaign as only three nations have come forward to sign it against the needed 50.
Over the past few months, tensions have been growing between North Korea and the US. The United States has been strongly opposing North Korea’s claims of developing nuclear weapons for deterrence purposes. While Donald Trump has indicated to use force against North Korea, Kim Jong Un has said that is country will respond in every possible way. The Asian country has made significant progress in developing nuclear weapons and missiles. The nation now possesses ballast missiles that can strike against the United States. North Korea tested its first nuclear weapon in 2006 and further carried out the second test in 2009. The nation tested another hydrogen bomb last month which sent waves across the world. This was by far the strongest ever nuclear weapons test by North Korea.
To complement its nuclear warhead, North Korea recently tested two intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) in July 2017. The missiles have the capability of reaching the US mainland. The increasing tension between these two nuclear-capable nations has got the world on its edge. It remains to be seen what happens in the coming months.
Carolyn is a technology graduate and loves to write about anything related to technology as well as writes in others sectors. Carolyn is a professional writer with over 7 years of experience. Initially starting off as a programmer, Carolyn decided to combine her knowledge about technology and writing and that’s how she joined Reporter Expert.