10-kiloton nuclear blast would maim, not destroy, Washington, DC: study

A nearly-forgotten government study of potential damage from a nuclear weapon detonated in central Washington, DC analyzed the potential damage and loss of life caused by a small nuclear device detonation, the Associated Press reported.

The study, which can be read here, suggested that a smaller device that could be deployed by terrorists would not level the city like the multi-megaton bombs feared during the Cold War. But death and destruction would still sweep the city. 

The Washington Post wrote that a 10-kiloton bomb detonated at 16 and K Streets NW, the heart of downtown Washington, would level several important landmarks including the White House and some government buildings. In a half mile radius, all people would likely be killed. But 3 miles out, well within the District's borders, the damage would look more like broken windows.

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However, depending on the time of year, radiation would drift to different parts of the city, exposing residents to potentially lethal doses. 

The study "predicted 323,000 injuries, with more than 45,000 dead." A small device of just 10-kilotons would be 5,000 times more powerful than the bomb used in Oklahoma City in 1995. 

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In another story, the Post said said the business district of the city would nearly disappear, and "at least a third of the municipal tax base would disintegrate in an eye-blink."