Stockpile Destruction
A huge explosion was recently heard over a radius of 25km in the Vanni region of Sri Lanka. Thankfully it wasn't the result of any conflict, it was the culmination of several months of hard work conducted by MAG teams to clear a large area of land of unexploded ordnance (UXO).
Back in March 2005 MAG Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) teams undertook the task of clearing a parcel of land in the village of Kanakarayankulam. The area was previously the scene of intense fighting, and the particular section the teams concentrated on was a former regimental artillery position. MAG was clearing the area so that the land could be used to resettle returning refugees. Initial reconnaissance confirmed that there was a large UXO presence and many items were large calibre shells, a significant proportion of which were white phosphorous (a dangerous and volatile substance used in a lot of weaponry. It's extremely flammable and can cause horrific burns).
By May 2005 the task was complete. The teams involved had collected in excess of 1000 items of UXO and around 1500 fuses.
Between 7th and 10th June 2005 the stockpile of UXO was transported to an isolated area of the region in preparation for destruction. All three of MAG's Kilinochchi EOD teams were involved in moving the UXO and setting up the demolition. Journalists and TV crews were invited to the destruction, and when it was detonated the explosion was heard in Kilinochchi over 25km away.
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