Suche
Mein Konto
Cologne in a state of emergency: 20,000 citizens have to evacuate because of bombs!
In Cologne, around 20,000 people will have to be evacuated on June 2, 2025 to defuse World War II bombs.
Cologne in a state of emergency: 20,000 citizens have to evacuate because of bombs!
Next Wednesday, Cologne faces one of the biggest challenges in recent years. Over 20,000 people have to evacuate their homes to make room for the defusing of three World War bombs. This extraordinary evacuation measure became necessary after the dangerous relics from World War II were discovered on Monday. The city of Cologne, which has often been confronted with such bomb discoveries in the past, reacted to the situation and ordered a nationwide evacuation. According to the city spokeswoman, this is one of the most extensive evacuations in recent years Borken newspaper reported.
The evacuation affects not only residential buildings, but also important facilities such as the Eduardus Hospital and two nursing and retirement homes. Therefore, it is not only the residents who are asked to get to safety, but also the medical staff and residents. This measure also has an impact on traffic: three important bridges over the Rhine, including the so-called Hohenzollern Bridge, must be closed. Information on the exact closures and which public transport services may be affected will be announced shortly, as the WDR website informed.
Affected facilities and contact points
There are many organizational details associated with the evacuation. A contact point will be announced on Tuesday where affected citizens can receive support. The first ringing of the bell and the setting up of the roadblocks are planned for Wednesday from 8 a.m. The defusal involves two 20-hundredweight American bombs and one 10-tonner American bomb, all equipped with impact detonators. Such bomb discoveries are not uncommon in Cologne, as the city was heavily bombed during the Second World War.
The local public order office takes stock: In 2023, a total of 31 bombs were found in Cologne, including 21 explosive bombs, which illustrates the urgency of security measures. These recurring cleanups and evacuations cost not only time but also resources. For example, around 3,100 residents were affected in August 2023 alone Cologne City Gazette turns out.
City authorities are confident that the evacuation will go smoothly. However, the duration of the closures remains initially unclear. In view of the upcoming 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War in 2025, this defusing facility will also be placed in the historical context. Residents are called upon to prepare for the evacuation early and to clarify any problems with the authorities in advance. It remains to be hoped that the bomb disposal will take place without incident and that normality will return soon.