20,000 people to be evacuated in Cologne Center – unexploded bomb threat

Germany’s major industrial city Cologne is once again reminding the world of the heavy legacy of history. Due to unexploded bombs remaining from World War II, a large-scale evacuation is being planned in the city center.

According to local authorities, starting from 8:00 AM on June 4, emergency safety measures will be enforced in several districts of Cologne. The reason — three American bombs dropped on the city during World War II that never exploded. Their weight is 1 and 2 tons, and they pose a high level of danger.

Disarmament operation – a large-scale effort

Experts will work carefully to defuse the heavy bombs. For this, around 20,000 people living within a 1-kilometer radius of the danger zone are planned to be temporarily evacuated.

City administration, several schools, kindergartens, museums, and key institutions will suspend operations. The evacuation zone also includes parts of Cologne’s central train station. Additionally, three main bridges over the Rhine River will be closed for several hours.

Transport system disrupted

Germany’s railway company Deutsche Bahn warned of major disruptions in train services due to the evacuation. It has not yet specified which routes will be affected, but both domestic and international lines are likely to be impacted.

Evacuation of historical scale

This is the first evacuation of such scale in Cologne since the end of World War II. Special transport and medical assistance will be mobilized for residents, especially the elderly, children, and people with disabilities.

Authorities are urging the public to remain calm, strictly follow instructions, and keep track of official evacuation updates.

Note: Such situations are rare in Germany, but unexploded bombs from the war era are discovered several times a year. This is why security protocols are strict and well-developed.