Over 600.000 cluster bombs and numerous landmines were left unexploded, and these war remnants have still grave consequences. . Photo: Nina Elisabeth Nordrum Vennevold
– It is remarkable to see how fast Quang Tri province has developed after the war. The landscape here today is nothing like the moon resembling landscape after the intense bombing during the war, said the Norwegian Ambassador, Mr. Ståle Risa, while visiting Dong Ha village in an area where nearly every village was fully destroyed during the Vietnam War.
– Nevertheless, Quang Tri is still facing severe problems because of cluster munitions and other unexploded ordnances (UXOs), he continued.
First Secretary Thea Ottmann is nervously pressing the demolition button. . Photo: Nina Elisabeth Nordrum VennevoldGrave consequences
According to statistics, over 2 million cluster bombs were dropped over Quang Tri district alone. The United States combat records show that out of the ten most bombed provinces, Quang Tri was ranked as the most targeted. Over 600.000 cluster bombs and numerous landmines were left unexploded, and these war remnants have still grave consequences. Annually more than 100 people die in Vietnam because of landmines and cluster bombs, and approximately 92 % of the total area in Quang Tri remains contaminated with UXOs.
Norwegian assistanse for clearance
– The People’s Committee of Quang Tri Province requested NPA to set up a project in 2006, after findings from the Health Service and a Mine Victim study, NPA’s new Country Director in Vietnam, Mr. Jonathon Guthrie, said while safely escorting the Norwegian delegation from the Embassy in Hanoi through a cluster bomb demolition area.
– NPA provides technical and managerial support for two teams here in Quang Tri, he continued.
NPA is in the process of establishing its own clearance operations in Thua Thien Hue. The Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affair is NPA’s biggest donor.
Safety procedures
The Norwegian delegation raised their eyebrows when they where asked to sign up their blood type before entering the demolition area just outside Dong Ha.
– It is standard safety procedures, the NPA Country Director reassured the nervous Embassy staff.
NPA continues, with Norwegian support, with technical and financial support in the safe removal and destruction of explosive remnants in Vietnam.
Norway's Ambassador Mr. Ståle Risa, First Secretary Thea Ottmann and NPA’s in Country director, Jonathon Guthrie are preparing the demolition area. Photo: Nina Elisabeth Nordrum Vennevold
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Further reading and useful links:
Asia News Net: “US, Norway supports landmine victims”
Thanh Nien News: “Norway helps Vietnam clear war-era ordnance”
The Norwegian Embassy: "Clearing cluster bombs in Lao PDR" (2009)