Bombs, Mines Attack 7,024 People in Quang Tri Province Since 1975

A large number of wartime bombs and mines hurt 7,024 people in Vietnam’s central province of Quang Tri from 1975 through October 2008, making up 1.2% of its population. Of the victims, 2,618 people died of such unexploded ordnances (UXO) and 31% affected people were children, the Dai Doan Ket newspaper reported Aug 23. Vietnam needs more than $10 billion to clear up bombs and mines in next 300 years, said a representative of the Technology Center for Bomb and Mine Disposal (BOMICEN). (Dai Doan Ket- Great Unity Aug 23 p8&9)