By: L.N. Reklai
July 28, 2016 (Ngeremlengui) The Cleared Ground Demining uncovered and removed 2 Japanese 220lb aircraft bombs from Ngeremlengui Bird Sanctuary Conservation Area yesterday.
The Cleared Ground Survey Team surveying activities in Ngaremlengui State this week not only found 2 Japanese 220lb aircraft bombs also unexploded ordnance at a home.
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Since 2009, Cleared Ground Demining has removed and destroyed 44,445 “bombs” in Palau and is still continuing to aim for 50,000. The bombs or ordinances are remnants of the Second World War (WWII), from the Japanese and American conflict in Palau.
Based on historical records, U.S. dropped an estimated 2500 tons of ordinances in Palau and Japan is estimated to have had same or more stored on the island.
These remnants are now reaching 72 years in the ground or under water of Palau and pose significant danger to people and environment due to their now very unstable conditions.
The activities of the CGD Team are currently funded by the Government of Australia. Palau’s national government recently passed approved funding $50,000 for Cleared Ground Demining to continue the bomb clearance work in Palau. [/restrict]