A chapter of the Viet Nam Bomb and Mine Action Support Association was set up in Da Nang on October 26 to step up efforts in dealing with unexploded ordnance (UXO) consequences in the heavily contaminated locality.

The chapter is tasked with popularising the national programme on settling post-war bomb and landmine impacts and calling for assistance to handle bomb and landmine consequences.

It will also participate in activities to prevent UXO accidents – particularly in heavily affected areas – and support UXO victims.

Mine action workers detect UXO in Quang Tri Province

According to a preliminary survey in 2002, nearly 9,300 communes with 6.6 million hectares of land across Viet Nam were contaminated with UXOs, accounting for 21.12 percent of the country’s land area; the central region is the most contaminated.

UXOs claimed 42,135 lives and injured 62,163 others from 1975 to 2000. The State has spent tens of millions of USD every year on UXO clearance and providing vocational training to and resettling UXO victims.

(Source: VNA)