The Day After1983

Julian French:
We tried hooking up an auxiliary pump up to a backup generator, and we're still only getting a trickle.

Dr. Sam Hachiya:
I still don't understand. Did they burn out?

Dr. Austin:
They could have been subject to the EMP effects.

Dr. Russell Oakes:
What's that?

Dr. Austin:
'Electro-Magnetic Pulse.' When a large nuclear device is airburst at high altitude, a lot of electrical disruption can be created, principally with radios, communication systems, electrical wires, computers, cars, transistors. Of course, it's all theoretical. It's never happened before. In short, very little electricity.

Dr. Sam Hachiya:
Forever?

[Dr. Austin shrugs]