PANO - 37 years have elapsed since Vietnam was entirely liberated, yet, bombs and mines keep exploding and tears keep being shed in places which used to be fierce battle-fields during the war against foreign invaders.

Between 1975 and 2000, more than 100,000 people were killed or wounded by bombs and mines left behind the war. Almost all communes, towns in provinces of Quang Ngai, Quang Tri, Ha Tinh and Nghe An are contaminated with bombs, mines and explosives.

With the great concerns of the Party and the State and efforts of local authorities and the soldiers, especially sappers, vast tracts of dead lands have been revived and victims of bombs and mines could overcome their pains to live a useful life in their community.

However, to date, more than 20 per cent of the country’s territory remains polluted by bombs and mines and other explosive devices, threatening the life of local people. Therefore Vietnam badly needs greater support of relevant domestic sectors and organisations and foreign governments, international organisations, NGOs and other organisations in the efforts to effectively clear all bombs and mines and other explosive devices to protect local people.

PANO would like to introduce some images, taken by reporter Hoang Ha, of bombs and mine consequences and sappers’ efforts in the centre of Vietnam.