Fires spread, mounted in strength, and merged into fast-moving firestorms. They advanced quickly over the devastated landscape, consuming wreckage and engulfing refugees on foot. In this respect, the aftermath of the Hiroshima bombing was similar to the earlier incendiary raids on Tokyo and other cities. Many who might otherwise have survived died by the inhalation of dust, ash, and smoke. The flames whipped up powerful whirlwinds, like tornadoes, and sections of roofing, doors, tatami mats, and various other debris were lifted and carried away. The odor of burning flesh settled like a pall
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