The Voice News: In Cologne, Germany, approximately 20,500 residents were evacuated from the city center to defuse three unexploded bombs from World War II. Local authorities have described the operation as the largest since the end of the war.
The bombs—American-made and weighing between 10 and 20 tons—were discovered on Monday at a shipyard in the Deutz area. Germany’s bomb disposal agency stated that the devices remain potentially dangerous.
Ahead of the defusal operation scheduled for Wednesday, a 1,000-meter radius around the site was completely sealed off. Residents, shops, hotels, nine schools, 58 hotels, a major hospital, and the Messe/Deutz train station were all evacuated.
Authorities warned that anyone refusing to evacuate voluntarily would be forcibly removed by police and could face heavy fines.
Patients in the intensive care unit of Eduardus Hospital were relocated via ambulance to other facilities.
In the morning, officials went door to door alerting people. Busy city streets were left deserted. All cultural institutions, including the Philharmonie concert hall and various museums, as well as shops and businesses, suspended their operations during the day.
Two emergency shelters were opened for those unable to find alternative accommodation. Residents were advised to remain calm and bring ID cards, essential medications, and pets with them when leaving.
While flights continued at Cologne Bonn Airport, disruptions to train and road services made access to the airport difficult.
The evacuation also disrupted many personal plans. Local media reported that 15 weddings were scheduled to take place on Wednesday at the city’s historic town hall. Those ceremonies were relocated to an alternative venue.
