How to survive nuclear strike: Chinese media advises locals on N. Korea border

A Chinese regional daily has published a piece advising citizens of Jilin Province, which neighbors North Korea, on what to do in the event of a nuclear attack. The guide includes colorful cartoons.

China’s state-affiliated Jilin Province daily newspaper issued a full-page report informing civilians on the effects of nuclear weapons and how to protect themselves, Chinese media reported on Wednesday. The northeastern region is close to the North Korean Punggye-ri nuclear test site and shares a vast border with it. 

The report describes in detail how dangerous nuclear weapons can be and what happens following the explosion. Light radiation, blast waves, early-stage nuclear radiation, nuclear electro-magnetic pulses, and radioactive pollution can cause serious destruction and casualties, the article says. Apart from detailed descriptions of the effects, the piece also discusses wartime air raids.

The practical part instructs people caught in an attack both inside and outside to take cover once they see the flash of an explosion, feel shockwaves, and are affected by optical radiation. People who are outside during a nuclear attack should lie down or dive into water if possible. Those who are indoors should lie in a corner or hide under a table or bed, and as soon as the shock wake passes, immediately close the doors and windows to prevent radioactive dust from entering the house.

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Citizens in affected areas should take iodine tablets and follow the other instructions, which include colorful illustrations. The cartoon-like pictures feature courses of action to take to reduce radioactive contamination, including cleaning clothes and shoes, as well as showering and cleaning ears. One picture of a vomiting child comes with advice for stomach pumping and induced urination in case contaminated food or water is ingested.

Commenting on the article, widely discussed by Chinese netizens, state-run Global Times newspaper said there is no need for panic, despite the deteriorating situation in the region and the need to “brace for the worst scenario.” It added that there is little chance that Chinese soil would come under attack, but warned that “as a powerful nuclear state, China will resolutely return like for like.” 

Tensions are running high on the Korean Peninsula, with Pyongyang continuing missile and nuclear tests as the US holds drills with its regional allies near the North Korean border. Both North Korea and Washington continue saber-rattling, despite calls to abstain from provocations in the turbulent region.