Explosive and toxic remnants of war on display in HCM City

According to statistics, approximately 15 million tons of bombs, mines, and explosives were dropped on Vietnam from 1945-1975, four times the total amount used by all sides in World War II.

More than 6.1 million ha of land or 18.71% of Vietnam’s total area spreading over 63 cities and provinces across the country are contaminated with roughly 800,000 tonnes of bombs, mines and unexploded ordnances (UXO) left by wars with the central region being the hardest hit.

Toxic chemicals have affected 4.8 million people, more than 3 million of whom are Agent Orange/Dioxin victims.

The country clears 40,000-50,000ha of contaminated area each year using domestic sources and support from the international community, with a lot of work being accomplished by the Mines Advisory Group in Vietnam.

Chau Phuoc Hiep, vice director of the War Remnants Museum, said the exhibition features silent work by people who reconstruct the dead land. Over the past 40 years, Vietnam has made great efforts to deal with the aftermaths of war, restoring the environment, and bringing life back to the land, all to facilitate the cause of national development.

The exhibition runs until August 20 at the Museum in District 3.