Cologne in a state of emergency: Major evacuation ended after bomb was found!

Cologne in a state of emergency: Major evacuation ended after bomb was found!

What a state of emergency in Cologne! On Monday, June 4, 2025, the largest evacuation since World War II began after three unexploded bombs were discovered at the Deutz shipyard. In particular, the approximately 20,500 people affected had to leave their homes and workplaces while the evacuation measures were running at full speed. At 7:19 p.m., the experts from the Rhineland Explosive Ordnance Disposal Service were able to successfully defuse the bombs.

The discoveries included two American World War II bombs weighing 20 hundredweight each and another weighing 10 hundredweight, all of which had safety-relevant impact detonators. The evacuation area extended over a radius of one kilometer, and the entire area around the Deutzer shipyard was promptly closed. This not only had an impact on local traffic, but also on numerous businesses in the city. 58 hotels, the Eduardus Hospital and two old people's homes had to be evacuated, while large companies such as RTL Deutschland relocated their live broadcasts to Berlin.

Efficient evacuation

With more than 240 public order office employees and 451 fire department members, including volunteers, the evacuation was largely organized smoothly. Only a few exceptions caused a stir: one person did not want to vacate his apartment, while another resisted and was taken into custody. The first round of ringing began at 8 a.m., followed by further patrols from 1:30 p.m. to ensure that no one was in the restricted area.

The city of Cologne also provided an overview to make communication with citizens easier. With a citizens' telephone and interactive maps, which were provided via the competence center of the geo-information system, those affected could always be kept up to date. It also noted contact points for evacuees, such as exhibition hall 10.1 and the vocational college on Humboldtstrasse.

Traffic chaos and restrictions

The closure not only affected residents, but also all automobile and rail traffic in the region. The Hohenzollern Bridge as well as the Severins and Deutzer Bridges were closed, which led to significant delays in long-distance traffic. Many trains were diverted and there were constant delays, which posed major challenges for travelers. In addition, various public transport lines, such as light rail lines 1, 3 and 9 as well as numerous bus connections, have been discontinued or restricted. Travelers were advised to avoid the city center.

The city of Cologne appeared to be well prepared for this situation by not only initiating extensive evacuation measures, but also reorganizing cultural events and weddings, such as the weddings of 15 couples. Instead, alternative wedding rooms were offered in the Porz district. The entire situation was a major logistical challenge that was mastered with flying colors.

Overall, it remains to be said that Cologne can return to normality after this large-scale evacuation and the successful defusal of the bomb. But the commitment of the helpers and the solidarity of the citizens are proof that we stand together when necessary. Scenes like these that have been in the media for days, such as... daily news or WDR, captured show how important a quick and coordinated response is in crisis situations.