Cologne Evacuates 20,500 for WWII Bomb Defusal

Cologne, Germany – The city is evacuating approximately 20,500 residents from its city center to safely defuse three unexploded bombs from World War II. The bombs were discovered on Monday in a shipyard located in the Deutz neighborhood, prompting city officials to take immediate action.

Officials have sealed off a zone within a 1,000-meter (3,280-foot) radius around the bombs, calling it “the largest operation since the end of WW2.” Homes, schools, shops, hospitals, and a major train station in the evacuation area must remain empty while the operation unfolds.

Authorities made it clear that residents who refuse to leave may face police escorts or fines. “If you refuse, we will escort you from your home – if necessary by force – along with the police,” they warned. Patients from Eduardus Hospital were safely transported via ambulances as part of the evacuation.

Germany regularly finds unexploded ordnance from World War II, but these particular bombs are notably large. The German bomb disposal service plans to begin defusing the devices on Wednesday, which can only occur once the area is completely evacuated.

As officials conducted door-to-door visits to inform residents, the normally busy streets of the Old Town and Deutz neighborhoods became eerily quiet. Many cultural institutions, including the Philharmonic Hall and several museums, along with 58 hotels and nine schools, are closed as a result. Transport services were heavily impacted, with all roads in the area closed and many train services canceled.

Two drop-in centers have been established for evacuees lacking alternative accommodations. Residents were advised to bring identification and any essential medications, and to care for their pets. Although Cologne Bonn Airport remains operational, traveling to the airport may face significant delays due to the ongoing evacuation.

Local media reported that fifteen couples, scheduled to marry at Cologne’s historic town hall, had to relocate their ceremonies due to the evacuation.

This situation reflects the continuous challenges Germany faces with unexploded bombs, highlighting the importance of safety during such operations.