"Unexploded bomb effect": how the Laotians use the echo of the Vietnam War in the economy
The Vietnam War ended 40 years ago but left a deadly legacy, especially in Laos. During the war, from 1964 to 1973, the US dropped more than 2 million tons of shells on the country, making Laos the most bombed country in the world per capita. However, not all of these shells fulfilled their purpose. About 30% of the shells did not explode and are still in the ground. They keep exploding in unexpected places at unexpected times, such as when children are playing nearby. However, most of the incidents occur when villagers try to open large shells in order to obtain metal and explosives to sell. The occupation is deadly, but poverty forces the Laotians to take risks - the shell of a bomb can weigh up to 900 kg and bring more than 100 dollars. By 2012, at least 29,000 people had died in this way in the country.
Photographer Mark Watson, traveling around the country on a motorcycle, was amazed to see these deadly projectiles, widely used by villagers on the farm. The Laotians find a variety of everyday uses for bombs, from house piles to buckets and cow bells.
(Total 11 photos)
1. Boats are made from aircraft fuel tanks and shell shells.
2. Children pose next to unexploded ordnance found around the village.
3. This country house uses a bomb shell as a garden decoration.
4. A box for flowers from a shell shell.
5. Shell shells are used as piles to protect houses from flooding.
6. Bomb shells as water containers.
7. The metal obtained from shell shells is used to make cow bells.
8. Houses on piles from shell shells.
9. The inscription on the projectile: "The cause of poverty."
10. Boat from shell shell.
11. Photo: Mark Watson