Cologne in the state of emergency: largest evacuation since 1945!

Cologne in the state of emergency: largest evacuation since 1945!

On Wednesday evening, Cologne experienced a remarkable situation when the largest evacuation campaign had taken place in the city since 1945. The reason for this was three American aviation bombs from World War II that had to be defused. Around 20,000 people had to leave their apartments because the city center was closed in a large scale and both the rail and car traffic was temporarily completely in a standstill. The evacuation was initiated in the morning with rounds of bells and road closures, whereby the safety in nursing homes and the Eduardus Hospital had to be ensured.

The defusing of the bombs that had settled against the Third Reich in Cologne during the bombing war was of great importance. In a country that had to struggle with the consequences of the Second World War and the many losses, the defusing of blind passengers is a regular but always dangerous task. At that time, the bombing war not only called for massive destruction - over 70% of Cologne's living rooms were destroyed - but also numerous lives. At least half a million civilians died in the air strikes in Germany, with Cologne one of the cities that were particularly affected and 176,600 destroyed apartments.

safe return for the Cologne

Even if the evacuation was a logistical challenge, the entire operation went without any significant incidents. During the time of the bombing, the Hohenzollern Bridge was closed, and the Cologne Messe/Deutz station was in the restricted area, which led to ride on long -distance transport. From 7:30 p.m. the closures could be lifted again, and the trains rolled back over the bridge. Thousands of Cologne were able to return to their apartments in the evening and thus feel a relief after leaving their safe environment for the day.

Despite the massive organizational efforts, there was an incident that presented the emergency services with additional challenges: one person refused to leave their apartment. The regulatory office had to intervene to guarantee the security of everyone involved. Such refusions rarely occur, but can be observed again and again in exceptional situations.

a necessary but stressful inheritance

Today's events throw a shadow on the horrors of the Second World War, which devastated Europe from 1939 to 1945. While the air strikes put numerous cities and villages in ruins, Cologne was only one of many cities that suffered from the devastating bombing. Strategic goals were bombarded and the number of civilian victims was terrifyingly high.

"The bombing war left more than a billion tons of rock and rubble in Germany," said a historian [world] and clarified that over 1,000 towns and 161 municipalities were bombed. Cologne, with its devastated infrastructure and the many human tragedies, is not alone in this lack of economy.

The historical conditions make it clear that the processing of the past is not only a chapter in the history book, but also arrives in our presence. Cologne remains, despite all the challenges, a lively city with a remarkable resilience and the ability to keep standing the ghosts of the past.

In times when historical awareness and contemporary witness community are so important, it can be seen that such measures such as the bombing are not only a technical necessity, but also an invitation to all of us to not lose sight of history and their teachings. nau reports on the events, while Welt offer.