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Humor despite chaos: Cologne family copes with huge evacuation!
Numerous Cologne residents had to be evacuated on June 3, 2025 because bombs were found in Deutz - the largest operation since the Second World War.
Humor despite chaos: Cologne family copes with huge evacuation!
On June 3, 2025, the clock strikes in Cologne and the city prepares for a massive evacuation. The reason for this is three World War II bombs that were discovered in the Deutz district. Cologne residents are being asked to leave their homes and offices and one of the largest evacuations since the Second World War is underway. Around 20,000 people are affected by the measures, which will start at 8 a.m. on Wednesday, June 4th. The effects are far-reaching and affect the entire old town of Cologne as well as numerous restaurants, schools and cultural institutions.
Cologne's Hennecke-Ehlert family is hit particularly hard. They experience the situation with humor while spending the night with their in-laws in Rath. Nadja Hennecke-Ehlert reports that they took a cozy blanket and the familiar 1-kilogram jar of Nutella with them. “This is how we make the best of the situation,” she smiles. The uncertainty about how long it will take to defuse the bomb remains and adds additional tension to the day.
Big challenges for traffic
The evacuation brings with it serious disruptions. How daily news informed, the Hohenzollern, Deutzer and Severins bridges as well as the Cologne Messe/Deutz train station will be closed. Residents are asked to avoid the city center on Wednesday. The Cologne transport company (KVB) also warns of restrictions on various light rail and bus lines.
As part of this large-scale evacuation, there are also contact points in exhibition hall 10.1 and in the Humboldtstrasse vocational college for anyone who needs support. However, pets are not allowed here.
A look back at the bomb discoveries
In 2023, authorities in Cologne discovered a total of 31 World War II bombs. These numbers are no coincidence, as an ordnance is discovered in the city every month. A total of 17 evacuations were carried out last year, affecting more than 36,000 people. These preventative measures are important to ensure everyone's safety, even though they often cause inconvenience to local residents.
A few days ago, on June 1, 2025, the city administration reported that an overnight stay may be necessary for many of those affected, which further increases the stress. In addition, numerous events, such as the concert by the WDR Symphony Orchestra and performances by comedians, had to be canceled or postponed.
This evacuation operation will not only be the largest in decades, but also shows how closely the history of the city is interwoven with the spaces and the urban.
To ensure the safety of all residents, the city remains in a state of alert. Information is provided regularly and citizens are encouraged to call the hotline 0221/221-0 or 115 for information. Given the lack of clarity, many questions remain unanswered, but the city of Cologne is ready to provide the population with the best possible support.