Cologne Evacuates 20,000 for WWII Bomb Defusal

Cologne, Germany, carried out its largest post-war evacuation after three large unexploded American WWII bombs were found during construction in the Deutz district. Over 20,000 residents, workers, and hotel guests were evacuated from a 1,000-meter exclusion zone, which included parts of the old town, major transport hubs, hospitals, care homes, schools, hotels, and cultural sites. Authorities closed key bridges and train stations and suspended shipping on the Rhine, resulting in significant transportation disruptions. Temporary shelters were set up for evacuees, and police enforced evacuation orders. Bomb disposal experts worked to defuse the devices, with the operation expected to be completed by Wednesday evening. The large scale and central location of the operation highlighted the ongoing challenges of WWII ordnance in Cologne.