MINES & EXPLOSIVE REMNANTS OF WAR
Mines
Mines are often used to control strategic locations and protect military installations and critical infrastructure like power stations, water supply systems, and communication centers.
Mines are often laid strategically at chokepoints such as bridges, narrow passages, or key intersections where enemy movement is likely.
Mines are usually laid in clusters therefore if you find one, there are probably others nearby.
Stay alert for mine indicators:
Mines are nearly impossible to detect (without specialized equipment) but its important to stay alert for indicators.
Warning Signs: Look for formal and informal warning signs or markings indicating mined areas. These signs may be posted by local authorities, the local population, or international organizations to alert people to the potential danger. Do you know what the warning signs look like in your area?
Evidence of Past Conflict: Areas that have experienced past conflicts or military activities may have a higher likelihood of containing landmines. Be vigilant in regions with a history of armed conflict.
Fencing or Barriers: Landmines may be placed in conjunction with fencing or barriers to restrict access to certain areas. Exercise caution when you encounter such barriers.
Unusual Objects: Be wary of unusual or out-of-place objects, as landmines can be concealed in everyday items or buried just beneath the surface. Avoid touching or disturbing unfamiliar objects.
Disturbed Ground: Freshly disturbed or recently turned soil can be a sign of landmine presence. Mines may be buried just below the surface, and disturbed ground may indicate recent activity.
Presence of Craters: Explosions from landmines can create craters or disturbed areas in the ground. Be cautious if you notice any unusual holes or disruptions in the terrain.
ALWAYS get a safety briefing before travelling to, or through, a mined area.
WHAT TO DO
If there are mines in the area you work
Travel in high-risk areas only when necessary.
Ensure you always have adequate phone/radio/satphone coverage so that you can call for help.
Always get a safety briefing and know who to call in case of a mine-related emergency.
Keep to well-used and hard-surface roads. It’s harder to bury and hide mines on hard roads. Try not to be the first to drive along a route in the morning.
Stay on the road as the edges/sides may be mined. Be suspicious of obstacles that may hide mines, such as a large branch in the middle of the road.
Ask everyone in the vehicle to stay alert and look for indicators.
Don’t assume that advice given by the local community is correct – follow it with caution.
WHAT TO DO
If you find a mine
Stop all movement, and warn everyone around you.
Never touch a suspected mine or UXO.
Call for help, and do not move while you are waiting for it.
If you find a mine, there are likely to be others – mines are seldom laid individually
WHAT TO DO
If someone is injured by a mine
Do not rush to help, even if they beg you to. You are likely to become the next victim if you do so. Where there is one mine, there are usually others.
Wait until a safe path has been established by professional deminers and follow their instructions.
If you are injured, attend to your wounds but don’t move locations since other mines are likely around you. Instruct others not to approach you. You will have to wait for a demining team to clear a path to you before you can be evacuated.
As you can see, mine incidents are very difficult to manage. Prevention is therefore extremely important.
Find out where the mined areas are and stay well away from them!