CMAC detect 100 mines by explosion site
THE Cambodian Mine Action Centre (CMAC) has detected a field of almost 100 landmines in Pursat province’s Veal Veng district. Demining operators conducted a sweep of the area after a mine exploded on January 30, injuring three people.
CMAC director-general Heng Ratana said on February 1 that after the recent explosion, specialists from the centre marked a clear path away from the scene and evacuated workers out of the area.
The area is currently being developed, with several houses under construction. The CMAC team has ordered a halt to construction work while demining is ongoing.
So far, they have identified nearly 100 landmines in a small area of land nearby.
“Right now, we are marking the area clearly, according to our standard operating procedures. Because it is a large minefield, we do not have safe access to each mine, so we need to put up warning signs before we begin the work of clearing the mines,” explained Ratana.
He said that after identifying the area as a minefield, the CMAC unit and the provincial authorities have prohibited further construction until the land is declared safe.
“All land must be cleared of landmines and explosive remnants of war [ERW] before infrastructure or buildings are constructed. This is a state law, and ensures public safety,” he added.
The January explosion occurred when a man unloading bricks from a truck dropped one on a landmine in Thmar Dar commune’s Sangkum Thmey village.
In 2023, there were 32 victims of landmines and ERWs, with most incidents taking place in Banteay Meanchey, Oddar Meanchey, Battambang and Ratanakkiri provinces. Of the 32 victims, four were killed, while 10 suffered amputations and 18 were injured, some of them seriously.
This figure represents a 22 per cent drop on the 2022 numbers, when 41 victims were recorded.