Between 1964 and 1973, during the height of the Vietnam War, more than two million tons of bombs were dropped in Laos. Up to a third of the bombs, or ordnance, discharged in or over the country did not explode and continue to maim and kill when disturbed. Approximately 25% of all communities in Laos PDR are contaminated with this unexploded ordnance, or UXO. Hundreds of people are injured and killed in UXO accidents each year in Laos, and survivors often suffer severe abdominal, chest, hand and arm, and head injuries, which all require extensive surgery and post-operative care. About half of all UXO victims are children, who find the ball-shaped “bombies” while playing near their homes in rural communities. Between 1973 and 2007, at least 13,000 people were maimed or killed by landmines or UXO in Laos.
Today, there are over __________ bombs remaining in Laos. The legacy of the war remains buried in the fields, harming innocent farmers and children who continue to be maimed every day.
Today, there are over __________ bombs remaining in Laos. The legacy of the war remains buried in the fields, harming innocent farmers and children who continue to be maimed every day.
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