Cologne is preparing for the largest evacuation since the Second World War!

Cologne is preparing for the largest evacuation since the Second World War!

One of the largest evacuations since the end of the Second World War is imminent in Cologne. On Wednesday, June 4, 2025, over 20,000 people leave their homes and offices. The reason: the defusing of three World War II bombs that were discovered on Monday, June 2nd. These are two American unexploded bombs, each weighing 20 hundredweight and one weighing 10 hundredweight.

As a preventative measure, evacuation includes not only living areas, but also important facilities and infrastructure. Among other things, those affected include: 58 hotels, museums such as the Ludwig Museum and the Wallraf-Richartz Museum, as well as the Cologne-Messe/Deutz train station and a variety of schools and daycare centers. In addition, RTL will be forced to broadcast its programs from the mobile office, while the Cologne town hall and various old people's and nursing homes will also have to be evacuated.

Massive restrictions in Cologne's old town

The entire area of ​​Cologne's old town falls within the restricted radius, which means significant restrictions in everyday life. Three bridges over the Rhine will be closed, including the Hohenzollern Bridge, the Deutzer Bridge and the Severins Bridge. This is a significant change for residents and those affected, as air rescue is also becoming more complicated, as nearby facilities such as the university clinic and retirement homes are already prepared for the evacuation and have taken appropriate protective measures.

The city of Cologne has already taken the first steps to inform those affected. There was a comprehensive information campaign via the city's website and social media. Similarly, in a previous incident on May 16, 2025, when a five hundredweight unexploded bomb was found in Cologne-Lindenthal, residents were informed about possible evacuations. The city administration has made it clear that all necessary precautions will be taken to ensure safety and provide appropriate support to residents.

Lifestyle under the burden of bombs

For many people in Cologne, this is nothing new: as a result of the numerous bombs found during the war, there are always defusings and evacuations. Historically, Cologne suffered particularly from the bombings of World War II; On May 30th and 31st, 1942 alone, the first “thousand bomber attack” by the British Royal Air Force on a German metropolis took place. While the city has seen numerous mitigations since then, the current effort is one of the most comprehensive it has undertaken in recent years.

Now the help and understanding of local residents is required. Plans for where to stay during the evacuation should be made well in advance so that important documents and personal items are not forgotten. It should also be noted that pets are not allowed to be taken to the contact point that will be set up for affected residents in the Rheinenergie Stadium. The city has also organized transport shuttles to facilitate the mobility of those affected.

The coming days will be a challenge not only for those responsible, but also for the people of Cologne themselves. But one thing is certain: a good hand in planning and a prudent approach will help to overcome this special situation.