Cologne in turmoil: 20,000 people evacuated due to bombing!

Cologne in turmoil: 20,000 people evacuated due to bombing!

Today Cologne is characterized by security, because around 20,000 people are affected by a comprehensive evacuation. On Wednesday, June 4, a defusing of three World War II bombs that had been prepared for months will be carried out, which were discovered during construction work for district heating management in Riehl. This measure led to massive traffic restrictions, since among other things the Cologne Messe/Deutz station is blocked and train traffic is affected. As nw Facilities, but also travelers from all over the region to have to adapt their travel plans.

The evacuation begins at 8 a.m. and affects well-known Cologne facilities such as the Wallraf-Richartz-Museum, the Cologne Zoo and the old town. This also includes 58 hotels and accommodation companies, which could greatly complicate preparations for tourists. For the residents concerned, inpatient care is on will, with 1,100 people in the largest senior and disabled center, including 600 people in need of care, are moved to hospitals, while around 300 people are accommodated in prepared exhibition halls.

An extensive area is closed to defusing. Deutsche Bahn has made preparations and completely stops traffic from 8 a.m. Travelers from the West can start the main train station, but have to expect detours and eliminating connections. In particular, the Hohenzollern Bridge, which is considered to be the highest drive in Germany, is completely closed during the defusing. This means that both shipping and air traffic are also affected in the region.

The historical context

Cologne does not remember the devastating attacks in the Second World War today when the city was heavily bombarded. It was the first thousand bomber attack on May 30 and 31, 1942, which significantly shaped the cityscape. This bombing arouses memories of the dangerous time. So also reports WDR of the topicality of this horror, which is also present in the recent past in the Cologne city area. It was not until May 2, 2023 that an English aviation bomb was discovered in the Melaten cemetery, which could be successfully defused without any evacuation being necessary. The restrictions there were low compared to today's measures and only concerned the cemetery itself.

Today's measures clearly show that despite the years of efforts to capture the dangers of the past, the city of Cologne must always remain vigilant. Current bombing finds, such as the in 24rhein hidden and can also be a danger in the 21st century.

In these difficult times, Cologne charity and neighborhood are required. The city administration has their hands full to ensure that the security of the city area is guaranteed, while at the same time the affected citizens are cared for in the best possible way. Help you find out about the developments and support those who are directly affected.