How WW2 bombs across the Pacific are found and destroyed, decades after war
Unexploded ordnance from World War II continues to threaten the Marshall Islands. A $1.7 million project aims to safely dispose of these bombs, involving local residents and training programs for safety.
Read original article
In the Marshall Islands, decades after World War II, unexploded ordnance (UXO) from the conflict continues to pose a significant threat to local communities. The US and various organizations are investing millions to locate and safely dispose of these dormant bombs, which are scattered across the islands. Recent efforts include a $1.7 million project launched by the US State Department in collaboration with the Golden West Humanitarian Foundation, focusing on four atolls prioritized by the Marshall Islands government. Local residents, such as Wilbert Alik, play a crucial role in these operations, ensuring safety protocols are followed and cultural sites are preserved. The cleanup efforts are vital for community safety, as many residents live in constant caution of hidden explosives while engaging in daily activities like farming. Training programs are being implemented to educate locals on recognizing and avoiding UXOs, although not all communities have received this training yet. The ongoing work aims to clear areas for community development, allowing residents to build essential facilities and live without the fear of encountering unexploded bombs. The project is part of a broader initiative to address the legacy of war in the Pacific, with estimates suggesting that hundreds of thousands of unexploded ordnance remain in the region.
- The Marshall Islands are still affected by unexploded ordnance from WWII, posing safety risks.
- A $1.7 million project aims to locate and dispose of these bombs with local and US support.
- Local residents are involved in cleanup efforts, ensuring safety and cultural preservation.
- Training programs are being developed to educate communities about UXO risks.
- The initiative seeks to enable community development and improve safety for residents.
Related
The Arctic Dilemma
The Arctic Dilemma discusses health impacts of contaminants in Arctic communities, focusing on Faroe Islands. Unsafe levels in whale meat led to dietary changes. Pollution challenges traditional diets, urging public health protection.
The Last Survivors of an Atomic Bomb Have a Story to Tell
The atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945 caused around 200,000 deaths. Survivors, known as hibakusha, share their experiences to highlight the need for nuclear disarmament amid rising global tensions.
The growing threat to undersea Internet cables
Undersea cables are crucial for global internet connectivity but face threats from accidental damage and uneven distribution, particularly affecting vulnerable regions. Calls for improved infrastructure and security have increased.
The Last Survivors Speak. It's Time to Listen
The atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki caused around 200,000 deaths. Survivors, known as hibakusha, share their experiences to prevent future nuclear weapon use amid ongoing proliferation concerns.
Switzerland offers cash prize to get munitions out of lakes
Switzerland is offering a 50,000 franc prize for innovative ideas to remove munitions from its lakes, with significant risks and a complex, costly recovery operation expected. Proposals are due by February.
- Many countries, including Germany and Laos, continue to deal with the dangers of unexploded bombs and munitions from past conflicts.
- Cluster munitions, particularly in Laos, pose a significant threat, with millions of unexploded bomblets still causing casualties.
- There are concerns about the environmental impact of dumped munitions in oceans and lakes worldwide.
- Historical accounts highlight the presence of unexploded bombs in various locations, including the Thames River in London.
- Questions arise regarding the stability and potential risks of explosive compounds over time.
10 commentsFrom what I've heard from my Vietnamese colleagues the situation there is similar.
https://www.bundestag.de/resource/blob/909216/a5448dd84ac14a...
There were tank battles (especially in Russia) where hundreds of tanks on both side were effectively destroyed. Now add in trucks, towed and mobile guns, etc.
I was curious. Were they abandoned and scavenged for money after the war? Did they stay there and rust until years as the war? Did militaries take them for spare parts?
Turns out that equipment was very quickly cleaned up when possible. Usually within days/weeks.
Came across this incredibly detailed website with some amazing pictures and in depth information: https://wwiiafterwwii.wordpress.com/2017/02/20/cleaning-up-a...
[1] - https://www.npr.org/2023/07/11/1186949348/us-cluster-munitio...
https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?ll=5.36829237857024%2C0...
Related
The Arctic Dilemma
The Arctic Dilemma discusses health impacts of contaminants in Arctic communities, focusing on Faroe Islands. Unsafe levels in whale meat led to dietary changes. Pollution challenges traditional diets, urging public health protection.
The Last Survivors of an Atomic Bomb Have a Story to Tell
The atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945 caused around 200,000 deaths. Survivors, known as hibakusha, share their experiences to highlight the need for nuclear disarmament amid rising global tensions.
The growing threat to undersea Internet cables
Undersea cables are crucial for global internet connectivity but face threats from accidental damage and uneven distribution, particularly affecting vulnerable regions. Calls for improved infrastructure and security have increased.
The Last Survivors Speak. It's Time to Listen
The atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki caused around 200,000 deaths. Survivors, known as hibakusha, share their experiences to prevent future nuclear weapon use amid ongoing proliferation concerns.
Switzerland offers cash prize to get munitions out of lakes
Switzerland is offering a 50,000 franc prize for innovative ideas to remove munitions from its lakes, with significant risks and a complex, costly recovery operation expected. Proposals are due by February.