On Wednesday, October 2, a 500-pound U.S. bomb from World War II exploded at Miyazaki Airport in Japan, creating a crater approximately 7 meters wide and causing the cancellation of over 80 flights.
The bomb, believed to have been dropped to counter kamikaze attacks, detonated unexpectedly while buried beneath the taxiway, with no injuries reported.
Authorities are investigating the cause of the explosion but confirmed there is no further danger. The airport plans to resume operations shortly after repairs.
How often do unexploded WWII bombs still detonate in Japan?
Unexploded World War II bombs still pose a significant risk in Japan, with hundreds of tons remaining buried across the country. In 2023 alone, 2,348 bombs were disposed of.
While detonations are relatively rare, they do occur; recent incidents, like the explosion at Miyazaki Airport, show the potential danger.
Certain regions in Japan are more prone to finding unexploded World War II bombs, particularly:
- Okinawa: Heavily bombed during the war, over 200,000 tons of ordnance were dropped. It remains a primary site for UXO discoveries.
- Major Cities: Areas like Tokyo, Kobe, Yokohama, and Fukuoka were targeted in extensive air raids, leading to numerous unexploded munitions left behind.
- Kyushu Island: Notably, Miyazaki Airport has experienced multiple incidents involving unexploded bombs, reflecting the region’s wartime significance as a naval base.
How are these unexploded bombs still active?
Unexploded World War II bombs remain active in Japan due to several factors:
- Deterioration of Components: Over time, the detonators and primers can degrade, making them unpredictable. Some bombs were fitted with trembler switches that can trigger detonation if disturbed.
- Ground Movement: Recent incidents suggest that vibrations from nearby activities, such as aircraft passing overhead, can activate these bombs. The recent explosion at Miyazaki Airport occurred shortly after a plane taxied past the site.
- Burial Depth: Many bombs are buried deep, complicating detection and disposal efforts. Hundreds of tons of unexploded ordnance remain hidden throughout Japan, often surfacing during construction projects.
What measures are in place to prevent unexploded WWII bombs from detonating
Japan employs several measures to prevent unexploded World War II bombs from detonating:
- Regular Searches: Authorities conduct systematic searches, especially in historically significant areas like Okinawa and major cities, to locate and safely dispose of unexploded ordnance (UXO).
- Construction Protocols: During construction projects, strict protocols are in place to check for UXOs before digging begins. This includes using metal detectors and ground-penetrating radar.
- Disposal Operations: The Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) regularly carry out disposal operations, having managed over 30,000 UXO operations since 1972, ensuring safe removal or controlled detonation of found munitions.
- Public Awareness Campaigns: Educational initiatives inform the public about the risks of UXOs, encouraging reporting of any suspicious finds.
Ultimately, experts estimate it could take up to 100 years to fully address the remaining unexploded ordnance.
