Cologne Faces Massive Evacuation for Dangerous WWII Bombs

Cologne is evacuating over 20,000 residents from the city center to safely defuse three unexploded World War II bombs discovered at a shipyard. This unprecedented operation affects homes, schools, and major transportation hubs, with strict compliance enforced by authorities.

The German city of Cologne is undertaking an extensive evacuation of approximately 20,500 residents in the downtown area to allow experts to safely defuse three unexploded bombs dating back to World War II. The discovery was made on Monday at a shipyard located in the Deutz neighborhood, prompting city officials to act swiftly due to the potential danger of unexploded ordnance.

Authorities are enforcing a sealed safety zone with a one-kilometer (3,280 feet) radius around the bombs, marking what has been described as the "largest operation since the end of World War II." Inhabitants of homes, hotels, schools, and offices, including a major hospital and the city's primary train station, received evacuation orders emphasizing the seriousness of the situation. Officials warned that residents who refuse to leave may be forcibly escorted by police and could incur substantial fines.

The German bomb disposal service is scheduled to neutralize the munitions this Wednesday, contingent upon the complete evacuation of the densely populated area. Officials conducted door-to-door notifications to inform residents of the necessity to vacate their premises, leading to eerily quiet streets as businesses—shops, restaurants, and cultural institutions like the Philharmonic Hall and numerous museums—halted operations for the day.

Transportation disruptions are extensive, with road closures and multiple train cancellations affecting access to the area, including the temporary shutdown of the Messe/Deutz train station since 08:00 local time. Two designated drop-in centers have been set up for evacuees in need of shelter during this period. Residents have been advised to remain calm, carry identification, and gather essential medications and care items for their pets, despite the ongoing inconvenience.

In an amusing twist, around fifteen couples scheduled to tie the knot at Cologne’s historic town hall have had their ceremonies relocated to alternate venues elsewhere in the city. The situation highlights the disruption caused by the evacuation, while safety remains the overarching priority as experts prepare to deal with the century-old threat.