Hanoi: Efforts to address the consequences of unexploded ordnance (UXO) not only tackle the remnants of war but also pave the way for the revival of once-devastated land areas.

According to Vietnam News Agency, Vietnam remains littered with about 800,000 tonnes of UXO left over from the war. As of 2023, Vietnam had more than 5.6 million hectares of UXO polluted areas, or nearly 17.7% of the country’s total area.

Since 1975, UXO left over from the wars has killed more than 40,000 people and injured 60,000 others, the majority of whom are breadwinners of families or children. In response to this situation, the Government approved a national mine action programme for the 2010-2025 period, aiming to mobilise domestic and international resources to reduce and ultimately eliminate the impact of post-war bombs and explosives, towards supporting socio-economic development and ensuring public safety.

Under the programme, more than 500,000 ha of land have been cleared over the past 15 years. Millions of bombs, artillery shells, grenades, and anti-personnel mines have been safely detected and disposed of.