(VOVWORLD) - Vietnam, one of the countries most affected by bombs and mines left over from war, has renewed efforts to repair the damage caused by unexploded ordnance (UXO). The International Mine Awareness Day on April 4 is marked nationwide under the theme “Safe ground - safe home”.
 (Photo: VNA) |
The government and social organizations have identified and decontaminated land with UXO, provided assistance to UXO victims, and promoted communications to prevent bomb and mine accidents.
Colonel Nguyen Hanh Phuc, Deputy Director General of the Vietnam National Mine Action Center, said: “Under to a program from 2010 to 2025 to overcome the post-war bomb and mine aftermath, Vietnam plans to clean up 50,000 hectares of contaminated land each year. But the program will require more domestic and foreign resources. 30,000 ha of land contaminated with unexploded ordnance were treated last year, thanks to money from the government, private businesses, and foreign aid.”
It’s estimated that 6.1 million hectares, nearly 19% of Vietnam’s land, remains UXO contaminated. Landmines are scattered all across Vietnam, most densely in the central region.