Cologne Undertakes Major Evacuation for WWII Bomb Defusal

In an unprecedented operation since World War II, the city of Cologne, Germany, is evacuating approximately 20,500 residents to ensure safety during the defusal of three unexploded bombs from the war, discovered in the Deutz district.

The German city of Cologne is in the midst of executing an extensive evacuation plan affecting about 20,500 people to facilitate the safe defusal of three World War II-era bombs. Found on Monday in a shipyard located in the Deutz district, these unexploded ordnance were American bombs whose presence poses a significant threat. The city has designated a safety perimeter of 1,000 meters (3280 feet) around the site, making this operation the largest since the end of WWII.

Local authorities have mandated the evacuation of homes, shops, hotels, and an array of institutions including a large hospital and a major train station in the vicinity. Those who fail to comply with the evacuation orders will be forcibly removed with police assistance, and may face heavy fines. Emergency services have already begun the process of relocating intensive care patients from the Eduardus Hospital.

The bomb disposal service aims to neutralize the 10-tonne (10,000 kg) and 20-tonne (20,000 kg) bombs on Wednesday. However, this action can only commence after complete evacuation of surrounding areas. Officials have been visiting neighborhoods door-to-door to ensure compliance with the evacuation. Business operations in the region, from restaurants to cultural institutions like the Philharmonic Hall and various museums, have been halted during this period.

Transportation in the city has been heavily disrupted, with road closures and numerous train cancellations, including the Messe/Deutz station, which has been shut down since 08:00 local time. To assist those affected, authorities have established two drop-in centers for individuals and families needing temporary accommodation. Residents are advised to remain calm, carry identification, essential medications, and safeguard pets.

While Cologne Bonn Airport remains operational, travelers may face difficulties accessing the airport due to extensive road and rail disruptions in the area.