India-Pakistan war: How to survive a nuclear attack

India is set to conduct mock drills in over two hundred cities amid rising tensions with Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack. According to a home ministry communication, the measures to be taken during the mock drills include the operationalisation of air-raid warning sirens, training civilians on civil-defence aspects to protect themselves in the event of a "hostile attack" and cleaning bunkers and trenches.




The other measures are provisions for crash-blackout measures, early camouflaging of vital plants and installations and updating and rehearsing evacuation plans. The mock drills also include the operationalisation of hotline and radio-communication links with the Indian Air Force (IAF), testing the functionality of control rooms and shadow control rooms.

The mock drills are happening following Pakistan's threat to use nuclear weapons.

What to do in a nuclear attack

The American Red Cross has outlined essential steps for surviving a nuclear explosion and its aftermath, especially the deadly fallout that follows. Here's what you need to know:

The key survival factors include distance, shielding and time.

Distance:
The farther you are from radioactive fallout, the safer you’ll be. Underground shelters—such as basements or subway stations—offer significantly more protection than upper floors or open areas.

Shielding:
Thick, dense materials between you and fallout particles—like concrete, bricks, packed earth, or even heavy books—can reduce radiation exposure.

Time:
Radiation levels drop rapidly after a blast. Fallout is most dangerous during the first two weeks, after which radiation falls to about 1% of its original level.

What to Do Before a Nuclear Blast
Build an Emergency Kit:
Stock essential supplies such as water, food, medications, flashlights, and a radio.

Create a Family Disaster Plan:
Know where to meet, how to communicate, and what to do if you’re separated.

Identify Nearby Fallout Shelters:
Ask local officials if public fallout shelters are designated. If not, plan ahead by identifying potential shelters like basements, tunnels, or inner rooms without windows.

Stay Informed:
Learn how your local authorities will notify the public of a nuclear or radiation emergency—such as via sirens, text alerts, or emergency broadcasts—and ensure you’re connected to those channels.