LocationsA local, Ms. Khambang identifying where a UXO was found. Photo by NRA Lao PDR
As the second most heavily bombed provinces in the country during the Indochina War, Khammouane continues to experience it’s danger until this day.
Nakai district, which lies in the eastern part of the province, has recently seen 3 accidental deaths and several injuries caused by unexploded ordnance. Despite past clearances having been conducted in the agricultural production areas, there are still many UXOs left undestroyed in Nakai. And in December 2021, a survey visit was made to one of the villages called Oudomsuk, where a local resident made her report.
Oudomsuk village has a total of 741 households and is home to 3,216 people. Ms. Khambang Kounthachanh, a 71-year-old widow and mother of 5, found a UXO as she was overseeing the construction of a new washroom. The area where they were digging, was about 3 meters away from the main living quarter of her home.
With concerns, district authorities and homeowners have asked the National Regulatory Authority for UXO\Mine Action Sector in Lao PDR (NRA) to help with this life-threatening danger. Funded by Ireland through the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in Lao PDR, the NRA, in coordination with Humanitarian UXO Demining of Army 58 (Army 58), conducted its operation between 20-26 December 2021. The 500-pound bomb (MK82) was safely relocated in accordance with technical and national standards to the explosive disposal site for detonation.
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Contact details to get in touch with UNDP or Project Team
Aksonethip SOMVORACHIT, UNDP Communications Analyst
Email: aksonethip.somvorachit@undp.org
Reducing the impact of UXO is Lao PDR's own national Sustainable Development Goal. By commiting to Goal 18 as a part of the global 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, Laos holds itself accountable to advancing the reduction of UXO impact and contributing to many other goals at the same time, e.g. Goal 1, Ending Poverty. An integrated approach is crucial for progress across the multiple goals. Learn more about Goal 18 and its targets.
