How many Japanese were estimated to have died as a result of the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima?

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The estimate of approximately 70,000 Japanese deaths as a direct result of the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima reflects the understanding of the immediate impact of the explosion, which occurred on August 6, 1945. This figure accounts for those who died instantly from the blast and thermal radiation as well as those who succumbed to injuries and radiation sickness in the months following the bombing.

The context surrounding these estimates is crucial; initial reports indicated around 70,000 deaths, and later assessments suggested that the total number of deaths, including those who died later from radiation-related illnesses, could be significantly higher. However, the immediate impact, which largely informs this estimate, is particularly crucial for understanding the bomb's devastating effects and the consequences it had on civilian life in Hiroshima.

The other estimates, while they might reflect some aspects of casualty figures, do not align with the consensus about the immediate aftermath of the bombing. This specific figure of 70,000 has been widely cited in historical accounts and research, making it the most accepted estimate in this context.

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