In Cologne, Germany, authorities commenced the evacuation of more than 20,000 people from a central part of the city on Wednesday. This operation is in preparation for the defusing of three unexploded bombs dating back to World War II. These bombs were discovered at the beginning of the week. Despite being nearly eight decades since the war ended, unexploded ordnance from wartime air raids are still regularly unearthed across Germany.
Disposal of such bombs often necessitates precautionary evacuations, especially when they are found in densely populated areas. Wednesday’s evacuation marks the most significant such event in Cologne since 1945. However, larger evacuations have been noted in other German cities.
The evacuation began early Wednesday morning, affecting roughly 20,500 residents situated within a 1,000-meter (3,280-foot) perimeter of the bomb site, located in the Deutz district. This district lies just across the Rhine River from Cologne’s historic city center, with the bombs being uncovered during pre-construction activities for a road project.
The affected area encompasses residential properties, 58 hotels, nine schools, several museums, and various office buildings, along with the Messe/Deutz train station. Additionally, three bridges spanning the Rhine River, including the frequently used Hohenzollern railway bridge leading to Cologne’s main station, are included in the evacuation zone and will be closed during the defusal. River shipping activities on the Rhine will cease as well.
The plan is to neutralize the bombs within the day, though the exact timing hinges on verifying that the evacuation zone is completely cleared of people. Once authorities confirm everyone’s safety, the defusal operation will proceed.