Logo of Phnom Penh Post newspaper Phnom Penh Post - Landmine fatalities drop

Landmine fatalities drop

Content image - Phnom Penh Post
Injuries and deaths from UXO declined by 48 per cent in the first four months of this year. Photo supplied

Landmine fatalities drop

Twenty-six people were killed and injured by landmines and unexploded ordnance (UXO) in the first four months of this year, the Cambodian Mine Action Authority (CMAA) said in a report on Monday.

The number represents a decrease of 48 per cent compared to the same period last year when 50 casualties were recorded.

“Of the 26 victims, five died, 21 sustained serious and minor injuries, seven of whom had their limbs amputated and will become disabled for life. They are still being treated by the medical team,” the report said.

Over the first four months of this year, the report said seven demining operators including the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces, Cambodian Mine Action Centre (CMAC), Cambodia Self Help Demining (CSHD), Halo Trust, MAC, Norwegian People’s Aid (NPA) and APOPO had cleared 36,180,704sqm and discovered 4,893 anti-human mines, 120 anti-tank mines, and 14,195 explosive remnants of war.

Senior minister and CMAA first vice-president Ly Thuch told The Post on Monday that landmines and explosive remnants continue to affect the daily lives of Cambodians in rural and remote areas.

“Everyone must be careful when spotting them. Don’t try to touch, play, or pick them up because they can easily explode and endanger life.

“Landmines, cluster bombs, and explosive remnants of war remain a risk for all of us. Not only do they kill and disable people, they also hinder personal and national economic growth as well,” he said.

Thuch said millions of landmines and explosive remnants were reportedly buried in almost every part of Cambodia, especially around military camps and border areas.

On Sunday, 16 artillery shells were found by residents in Preah Vihear province’s Rovieng and Kulen districts and were destroyed on the spot by a CSHD demining team.

Chhuon Bora, a CSHD landmine clearance technical official, told The Post on Monday: “The artillery shells were rockets of between 60mm and 85mm and were made in America, China, Russia and Vietnam.”

Meanwhile, a bomb dropped from an MK82 aircraft was removed from the ground by an NPA team in community forest land in Phak Nam village, Koh Peak commune, Veun Sai district, Ratanakkiri province, on Saturday after villagers spotted it.

To meet the “mine-free Cambodia by 2025” goal, the government has pledged to cover 10 per cent of spending for all bilateral or multilateral demining projects.

The government has also laid out plans to complete basic data research in 73 districts in eastern provinces this year.

From 2020 to 2025, Cambodia still needs an additional $377 million to clear 806sq km containing mines, cluster bombs, and explosive remnants of war, the government said.

MOST VIEWED

  • Joy as Koh Ker Temple registered by UNESCO

    Cambodia's Koh Ker Temple archaeological site has been officially added to UNESCO’s World Heritage List, during the 45th session of the World Heritage Committee held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on September 17. The ancient temple, also known as Lingapura or Chok Gargyar, is located in

  • Famed US collector family return artefacts to Cambodia

    In the latest repatriation of ancient artefacts from the US, a total of 33 pieces of Khmer cultural heritage will soon return home, according to the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts. In a September 12 press statement, it said the US Attorney’s Office for the

  • Cambodia set to celebrate Koh Ker UNESCO listing

    To celebrate the inscription of the Koh Ker archaeological site on UNESCO’s World Heritage List, the Ministry of Cults and Religion has appealed to pagodas and places of worship to celebrate the achievement by ringing bells, shaking rattles and banging gongs on September 20. Venerable

  • Kampot curfew imposed to curb ‘gang’ violence

    Kampot provincial police have announced measures to contain a recent spike in antisocial behaviour by “unruly’ youth. Officials say the province has been plagued by recent violence among so-called “gang members”, who often fight with weapons such as knives and machetes. Several social observers have

  • CP denied registration documents by ministry

    The Ministry of Interior will not reissue registration documents to the Candlelight Party (CP). Following a September 21 meeting between ministry secretary of state Bun Honn and CP representatives, the ministry cited the fact that there is no relevant law which would authorise it to do

  • Manet touches down in Beijing for high-level meetings

    Prime Minister Hun Manet arrived in Beijing on September 14 for his first official visit to China, where he is slated to attend the 20th China-ASEAN Expo and meet other leaders including Chinese President Xi Jinping. Upon his arrival, Manet laid a wreath at the Monument