Cologne faces the greatest evacuation since World War II!

In Merheim evakuieren Tausende wegen einer Kriegsbombe. Experten entschärfen die größte Bombe seit dem Zweiten Weltkrieg.
In Merheim, thousands evacuate because of a war bomb. Experts defuse the biggest bomb since World War II. (Symbolbild/MK)

Cologne faces the greatest evacuation since World War II!

In Cologne there is another major event: On Wednesday, June 4, 2025, the districts of Deutz and the surrounding areas are dedicated to bombing. A total of around 20,000 people have to leave their apartments due to three world war bombs. The city has declared this measure as one of the greatest evacuations since World War II and is prepared accordingly. Express reports that an extensive radius of evacuation was set up, which includes numerous urban buildings and large companies.

The last major evacuation took place on May 27, 2015 when a 1000 kilogram dexorailer had to be defused on Kuhweg in Riehl. Even then, the Cologne Zoo was affected by the evacuation, which shows that such operations in Cologne are not uncommon. In Cologne, bombing has become the order of the day due to the intensive bombing in the Second World War.

Details for bombing

Already on May 16, 2025, an American dud was found in Cologne-Lindenthal during excavations to lay an electricity route. This five-center bomb with rear impact bundle is also a danger that is planned for May 20, 2025. The district government of Düsseldorf and the Ordnungsamt of the City of Cologne are already active on site to keep the situation under control. A radius of evacuation of 300 meters was determined, which affects around 2,750 people. The city of Cologne informs affected households in advance and has set up protective measures for facilities such as the university hospital and the senior citizens' house.

A starting point for residents is set up in the Rheinenergie Stadium in Cologne-Müngersdorf. The stadium opens from 9 a.m. and pets are not permitted for security reasons. During the evacuation, residents should think of an alternative whereabouts and take important objects with them. A shuttle service will be available on May 20 with KVB buses to facilitate mobility to the data subjects.

experiences from past missions

The last bombing in Cologne have often moved large crowds. Some thousand residents had to leave their houses in Merheim some time ago. At that time, the defused American ten-century bomb required a controlled explosion for which large quantities were delivered. ZDF reports of a tremendous preparation that ran for months, while about 1,300 helpers-from police officers to voluntary work-to ensure the safety of citizens.

The city of Cologne appeals to the citizens of staying attentive and finding out about the current information in the urban media and events in advance. A tense situation like this shows how important the preparation and cooperation of different offices and organizations is to guarantee smooth evacuation.

Details
OrtMerheim, Deutschland
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