Hiroshima burned, humans turned to ash… but one insect crawled out alive!

Nuclear weapons are considered the most devastating tools of mass destruction. Wherever a nuclear bomb detonates, all signs of life are wiped out within hundreds of square kilometres. The radiation and heat linger for decades, making the region uninhabitable. Yet, astonishingly, there exists a creature that can survive even this apocalypse. It manages to stay alive in conditions where not even the tiniest insect stands a chance.

Hiroshima and Nagasaki: Where Everything Died—Except Them

In 1945, when the United States dropped atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan witnessed unimaginable destruction. Entire cities were flattened, and life seemed erased. However, reports emerged that cockroaches had been spotted alive amidst the ruins. Since then, many believe these insects possess an extraordinary ability to survive catastrophic environments.

The Science Behind a Nuclear Blast

When an atomic bomb explodes, the core temperature reaches several thousand degrees Celsius. A powerful shockwave is unleashed, and the blast emits intense levels of radioactive radiation. Everything—buildings, trees, animals—is reduced to ashes under this combination of heat, pressure, and radiation.

Why Cockroaches Live When Everything Else Dies

Cockroaches have special biological traits that allow them to outlast such deadly environments. Most notably, they are far more tolerant of radiation than humans. While a human can endure radiation between 500 to 1,000 rads (Radiation Absorbed Dose), cockroaches can withstand levels between 6,000 and 15,000 rads. Some species have been observed surviving exposure to even 100,000 rads—making them nearly indestructible in radioactive conditions.

Slow Cell Division: A Natural Shield Against Radiation

One major reason for their resilience is their slow rate of cell division. Radiation causes the most harm when cells divide rapidly. Since cockroach cells divide slowly, their DNA is less susceptible to radiation damage. However, it's important to note that cockroaches are not entirely immune. If they are at the very epicenter of a nuclear blast, they will perish due to the extreme temperature.

They Survive, But Not at Ground Zero

After the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, cockroaches were found alive only in zones that were some distance away from ground zero. These areas had lower levels of heat and radiation, which made survival possible. So while cockroaches can endure incredible levels of radiation, their survival still depends on how close they are to the blast.