The primary mechanisms of destruction for a nuclear bomb are fivefold, the first being the shockwave generated by the nuclear blast, whether through air, water, or sudden transmission, but the shockwave is the bomb's most devastating effect, accounting for about fifty percent of a nuclear explosion's power.
The light radiation produced by the nuclear explosion is a secondary route of destruction, amounting to roughly thirty percent of its force.
Next comes the penetrating radiation caused by a series of rays, including alpha, beta, gamma rays, and neutron streams.
Following that is the long-term nuclear contamination and damage caused by the nuclear fallout dust or contaminated wastewater produced by the explosion.
Lastly, there is the additional damage to communication facilities from the electromagnetic pulse.