Germany: Cologne Begins Largest Evacuation Since WWII to Defuse Unexploded Bombs
The German city of Cologne launched its largest evacuation since World War II on Wednesday following the discovery of three unexploded bombs in the Deutz district. Approximately 20,000 residents were ordered to evacuate as bomb disposal teams prepared to defuse two 20-ton and one 10-ton bombs, all equipped with impact fuses, according to public broadcaster WDR.
The evacuation zone covers large parts of the city center and historic old town, leading to the closure of 58 hotels, major museums, schools, kindergartens, and government offices. Key infrastructure, including the Hohenzollern, Deutz, and Severins bridges over the Rhine River and the Cologne Messe/Deutz train station, has also been shut down. Train operator Deutsche Bahn warned of extensive delays and cancellations, with rerouted services between Cologne, Berlin, and Stuttgart.
Cologne authorities began enforcing the evacuation at 8 a.m. local time, with police empowered to forcibly remove those who do not comply. Temporary shelters have been set up at Exhibition Hall 10.1 and the Humboldtstrasse Vocational College, though pets are not allowed. Major companies, including RTL Deutschland, have shifted to remote work, with live broadcasts moved to Berlin. The timing of the bomb defusal operation remains uncertain.
