Evacuation in Kiel: 3,400 people affected before bomb disposal!

Evacuation in Kiel: 3,400 people affected before bomb disposal!

Preparations are currently underway in Kiel for a large-scale evacuation that will take place on Sunday, July 6, 2025. The reason for this is the defusing of a 500 kilogram American aerial bomb from the Second World War that was found on Elendsredder Street. Around 3,400 people in the Wik district have to leave their homes by 11 a.m. so that the security measures can run smoothly. After all, it's about the safety of the residents, because in the worst case scenario the bomb could detonate if you don't stop it in time. The city of Kiel is informing residents using warning apps and handouts and asking everyone to inform each other about the upcoming evacuation. Anyone who needs support leaving their home or a place to stay can count on the city's help. The exact duration of the defusing is currently uncertain, which is causing a certain amount of nervousness among residents.

There have been similar situations in Kiel in the past, including a last major evacuation on June 9, 2025, in which a 250-kilogram bomb was defused in the Gaarden district. Over 200 emergency services were deployed here to evacuate the residents and ensure defusing. This measure ultimately affected around 12,000 people and was the largest in ten years. Of course, not everything happened without complications, as there were delays because a number of residents spoke little or no German. In addition to the police, who used patrol cars and even a drone to provide support, a few hundred people waited in an emergency shelter until everything was secured. Fortunately, this defusing went without any major incidents.

Bombs found in Germany

The problem of unexploded bombs from the Second World War is widespread in Germany. Around 5,000 bombs are found every year, with North Rhine-Westphalia particularly affected. Between 1,500 and 2,000 of these dangerous relics from the past have been spotted in this region. To identify the type of bombs, the experts use around 250,000 aerial photos from the war. Thanks to these recordings, potential danger spots can be located, which is of enormous importance for the safety of today's residents.

The challenges of defusing should not be underestimated. Unexploded bombs can be caused by various reasons, such as technical errors in the detonator or damage upon impact. Experts know that bombs typically lie at a depth of 3 to 7 meters and often remain intact. The decision as to whether a bomb is detonated or defused is made directly at the site where it is found. In most cases an attempt is made to defuse the objects. Blasting is rather the exception and only takes place once or twice a year on average.

The population in and around Kiel remains on guard and in contact in order to be well informed and prepared in this tense situation. The right hand in communication and committed support from the city are crucial so that everyone affected gets through this critical phase safely. It remains to be hoped that the defusing will go smoothly on Sunday and that people can return to their homes quickly.

For further information on the topic of bomb disposal and current developments in Kiel, interested readers can visit the articles star, NDR and South Germans visit.