A bomb is removed for detonation in Lam Dong Province on July 29.
A MK-81 bomb discovered in Cat Tien 2 Commune was safely transported and destroyed on the morning of July 30. The day before, on July 29, an MK-81 bomb found in Nam Ha Commune, Lam Ha District, and an M117 bomb located in Lang Biang Ward, Dalat City, were also successfully detonated.
Both the MK-81 and M117 are high-explosive bombs used by the US military during the war. These types of ordnance contain powerful explosives capable of causing widespread destruction. Most bombs are found during farming or construction activities, and then are reported to local authorities.
Vietnam remains one of the most heavily bombed countries in the world. During the US War, an estimated 15.35 million tonnes of bombs and explosives were dropped on the country. Today, nearly 800,000 tonnes of unexploded ordnance are believed to remain across approximately 5.54 million hectares, or 16.92 per cent of the country’s total land area.
Since 1975, leftover bombs and mines have killed more than 42,000 people and injured over 62,000 others nationwide, with the highest numbers recorded in central and Central Highlands provinces such as Quang Tri, Gia Lai, Nghe An, Ha Tinh, Thua Thien-Hue and Quang Ngai.