Cologne Evacuated: Over 20,000 people due to bomb defusal!

Cologne Evacuated: Over 20,000 people due to bomb defusal!

An alarming scenario unfolded in downtown Cologne today. The largest evacuation operation since the end of the Second World War has the metropolis firmly in its grip. Whole20,000 peoplewere forced to leave their homes as security seemed to thin the air in the city. The reason for this level of inconvenience?Three American bombs, which were discovered during exploratory work in the Deutz district. Two of these bombs weigh each20 hundredweight, another brings it up10 hundredweight.

In order to defuse the bombs, a...Safety radius of 1,000 metersset up around the site. This means the complete evacuation of the old town, schools, daycare centers and even theLanxess Arena. Many local businesses are also affected. It's not just about the safety of the residents - there are also concerns about inconveniences in everyday life.

Evacuation and closures in the city

Already since8 o'clockIn the morning, roadblocks will be set up to monitor the evacuation. There aretwo expertsexplosive ordnance disposal are the only people who are allowed to stay in the evacuation zone. The authorities check whether all apartments in the evacuation area are empty, and the transport infrastructure is also given the stamp of necessity: TheHohenzollern Bridge, the busiest German railway bridge, is under closure during theCologne cathedraland the main train station are fortunately not in the evacuation area and are still accessible to visitors.

However, the impact is big: events like a comedian appearanceTedros Teclebrhanand a concert by the WDR Symphony Orchestra were canceled or postponed. Even the weddings in the historic town hall now take place in the Porz district. Residents of the exclusion zone are seeking accommodation from friends or family, while assembly points and shuttle services have been set up for evacuees.

The historical dimension of this defusing

Cologne is one of the cities that was heavily bombed during the Second World War - for example70% of the citywere bombed. In fact, such bomb discoveries are not unusual: they happen every year in North Rhine-Westphalia1500 to 2000Bombs discovered. These dangerous relics from the past remind us of the destruction that lies beyondhalf a millioncost civilian lives. This story murmurs in the streets of Cologne's city center and continues to have an impact to the present dayBombing wardocumented.

Today the city presents a picture of silence and isolation, as if normal business had frozen for a moment. A city that was otherwise pulsating with activity has come to a standstill - a result of the necessary measures to ultimately ensure the safety of everyone.

For a few hours, Cologne city center is likeextinct. But the awareness that these measures are essential to avert the impending danger gives people strength. It remains to be seen how quickly normality can be returned as the bombs are defused and life returns to the city. Citizens hope that these inconveniences will soon be a thing of the past - and without any further unpleasant surprises.