Mumbai & Kolkata on Path of Asteroid Nicknamed ‘City Killer’: Reports
A recent report has sent shockwaves across the globe, warning that two of India’s most populous cities, Mumbai and Kolkata, could be in the direct path of an asteroid nicknamed ‘City Killer’. According to scientists, Asteroid 2024 YR4, also known as the ‘City Killer’, is predicted to pass close to Earth in 2032, with a potential impact site that could affect millions of people.
As reported by NDTV, the asteroid’s predicted path takes it over the Indian Ocean, with Mumbai and Kolkata being two of the cities that could be impacted if it were to hit Earth. Other majorly populated areas on its predicted path include Bogota in Colombia and Lagos in Nigeria.
The ‘City Killer’ asteroid is estimated to be around 1,100 feet (335 meters) in diameter, which is roughly the size of a 75-story building. If it were to hit Earth, scientists believe that it could trigger “severe blast damage”, affecting an area of approximately 31 miles (50 kilometers) from the impact site.
The predicted path of the asteroid was calculated by scientists using a combination of observations and computer simulations. According to NASA, the asteroid’s orbit is influenced by the gravitational pull of Jupiter, which causes it to take a unique path through space.
The thought of a massive asteroid hurtling towards Earth is enough to send chills down the spine. The potential consequences of such an event are catastrophic, to say the least. In the event of a direct hit, the impact could cause widespread destruction, triggering massive earthquakes, tsunamis, and fires. The aftermath would likely be a global emergency, with rescue efforts and relief operations taking center stage.
The city of Mumbai, with its population of over 12 million people, is particularly vulnerable to the effects of such an impact. The financial capital of India is already prone to natural disasters, including cyclones and floods. An asteroid impact could push the city to the brink of disaster, causing widespread damage to infrastructure, buildings, and homes.
Kolkata, with its population of over 4.5 million people, is another major city that could be affected by the asteroid. The city is already struggling with issues related to infrastructure and urban planning. An asteroid impact could exacerbate these issues, causing chaos and destruction on a massive scale.
What’s even more alarming is that the asteroid’s predicted path is not a certainty. Scientists are still monitoring the asteroid’s orbit, and there is a possibility that it could change course or be deflected by gravitational forces. However, experts are warning that there is still a significant risk of impact, and that preparations need to be made to mitigate the effects of such an event.
In the face of this potential disaster, it’s essential that governments, scientists, and emergency responders come together to develop contingency plans and strategies to minimize the impact of the asteroid. This could include monitoring the asteroid’s orbit, developing evacuation plans, and conducting drills to prepare for the worst-case scenario.
As the world waits with bated breath for further updates on the asteroid’s predicted path, it’s clear that the threat of the ‘City Killer’ is a sobering reminder of the importance of preparedness and international cooperation in the face of global disasters.
