The US nuked Hiroshima 71 years ago this week - this rare colorized photo shows the horrific devastation

On August 6, 1945, the US dropped a nuclear bomb on the Japanese city of Hiroshima.

The bombing of Hiroshima was the first time a nuclear weapon had ever been used outside of a testing environment, and it was the first of only two military uses of a nuclear weapon in history.

Overall, the effects of the bombing of Hiroshima were utterly devastating. The bomb is estimated to have wiped out approximately 90% of the city. Between the initial devastation of the bombing, and the subsequent effects of radiation poisoning, over 100,000 people died in Hiroshima.

This photo, colorized by Marina Amaral, showcases the overwhelming devastation of Hiroshima immediately following the attack.

See more of Marina Amaral's gorgeous colorized photos »

NOW WATCH: President Obama calls for the end of nuclear weapons at Hiroshima