Hidden WWII Munitions Discovered Near Solomon Islands School Prompt Safety Action
In a startling discovery, over 200 unexploded World War II shells were recently unearthed near a school in the Solomon Islands. This find highlights the ongoing dangers posed by remnants of past conflicts, which continue to affect communities in the Pacific region.
The unsettling discovery was made when workers at St. Nicholas School in Honiara, the capital of the Solomon Islands, were digging a hole for a new sewage system. The excavation revealed a hidden cache of rusting munitions that had lain buried since the Second World War. These projectiles, originally belonging to US troops, were located near a staff member’s house on the school grounds.
The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) acted swiftly to address the situation. Inspector Clifford Tunuki reported that the munitions were carefully excavated and transported to a secure location for safe destruction. “The removal of these old ordnance was an eye-opener for us,” said Inspector Tunuki. The police emphasized that the discovery underscored the continued risks of unexploded ordnance (UXO) in the region.
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During the height of World War II, the Solomon Islands were a crucial battleground. The intense fighting between Japanese and American forces left behind thousands of unexploded bombs across the South Pacific archipelago. These remnants are not just historical artifacts but present real dangers, as they can still pose a threat to life if disturbed.
Following the discovery, the school was temporarily closed as a precautionary measure. Classes were suspended for several days to ensure the safety of students and staff while the munitions were removed. Photos from the scene show police carefully handling the corroded ordnance with shovels and other tools to ensure no accidental detonation occurred.
This recent find is part of a broader issue in the Pacific region. Many islands, including the Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea, and Palau, are still dealing with the aftermath of World War II. In recent years, there have been several incidents involving unexploded bombs, some resulting in fatalities. In 2020, two foreign bomb disposal experts tragically lost their lives in Honiara while mapping old weapons caches.
The authorities have urged the public to be vigilant. Inspector Tunuki encouraged anyone who encounters suspicious objects to contact the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Department (EODD) or the police immediately. The discovery at St. Nicholas School serves as a reminder of the need for ongoing vigilance and safety measures to address the hidden legacies of past conflicts.
As the Solomon Islands moves forward, the focus remains on safely managing and removing these dangerous remnants to prevent future incidents. For now, the area around the school is safe, and classes are set to resume soon, thanks to the swift and careful actions of the police and support from the Australian Defense Force.
In summary, this recent discovery in Honiara highlights the enduring legacy of World War II in the Solomon Islands. It serves as a poignant reminder of the lasting impact of war and the importance of continued vigilance in ensuring the safety of communities affected by historical conflicts.
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