Quick facts on unplanned explosions at munitions sites (UEMS) - January 2025 update

Unplanned explosions at munitions sites (UEMS) are a significant safety threat for governments and a major challenge for the international community. A single UEMS incident can result in multiple casualties, millions of dollars' worth of damage to nearby buildings, infrastructure, and homes, as well as harm to the environment. Research conducted by the Survey reveals that these incidents are widespread and increasingly common: in its database, the Survey has recorded more than 674 incidents that occurred since 1979.

The Survey’s January 2025 UEMS database update includes data up to 31 December 2024, and highlights the importance of adopting effective measures to prevent and reduce the number of UEMS while mitigating their consequences. The accompanying infographic offers a snapshot of the key findings.

• See also the full database and interactive map