Shocking footage of an explosion at a Beirut wharf showed how quickly a built up area can be levelled.
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It's difficult to comprehend the scope of the blast, which killed at least 78 people and injured thousands more.
It was estimated at 2.75 kilotonnes.
An online 'nuke map' shows what an explosion of the same magnitude would mean for the Shoalhaven.
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If it went off in the Nowra CBD, fatalities would be guaranteed between Junction Street and the Princes Highway to the west and east, and Plunkett Street to North Street south and north. Concrete buildings would be damaged or destroyed.
Most residential homes in the area bounded by Harry Sawkins Park, Douglas Street, West Street and Stockland Nowra would collapse. It is highly likely spot fires would break out, and spread easily. There would be a high number of fatalities and injuries.
Windows would shatter from Illaroo Road to Nowra Cemetery, all the way out to Terara Road in the east and the Nowra Golf Course in the west.
If the same sized blast was detonated on Ulladulla, the effects would be felt from Kings Point Drive to Golf Avenue, with damage the most serious damage and highest number of fatalities concentrated in the area between Church Street, Hollywood Avenue, Did-Dell Street and Vigilant Street.
Fortunately, despite the challenges our region has faced in 2020, a 2.75 kilotonne explosion is not one of them.
If you would like to support the people of Beirut affected by the blast, donate to the Red Cross Lebanon.
