Cologne in turmoil: Largest evacuation since 1945 due to bomb discovery!

Cologne in turmoil: Largest evacuation since 1945 due to bomb discovery!

A historic bomb discovery is causing great excitement in Cologne and is the largest evacuation project since the Second World War. Around 20,000 people have to leave their homes in the Deutz district today, June 4, 2025, after three American bombs from the Second World War were discovered. The city administration considered the measure necessary to ensure the safety of the population. Merkur reports that the evacuation area extends over a radius of 1,000 meters around the site and also includes many important facilities.

The defusing of the bombs is scheduled to begin on Wednesday, but an exact time frame has not yet been determined. The road closures were put into effect from 8 a.m., and at the same time the authorities are checking whether all affected households have been evacuated. The city of Cologne announced that the duration of the measure depends on the population's compliance with the regulations. This evacuation affects not only residential areas, but also facilities such as the Eduardus Hospital, two retirement homes and numerous museums and hotels. Tagesschau reports that, among other things, the Musical Dome and several schools are in the area.

Traffic restrictions and cancellations

The people of Cologne are not only feeling the consequences of the bomb discovery within their own four walls. Deutsche Bahn has already reacted with significant restrictions on local and long-distance transport. The Hohenzollern Bridge as well as the Deutzer and Severins Bridges will be closed during the defusing, leading to diversions and possible train cancellations. The Cologne Messe/Deutz train station will also remain closed for the duration of the evacuation. Many travelers who are preparing for a trip are particularly affected. Trains will temporarily no longer stop at this central point. Tagesschau also reports on increased media coverage on Wednesday, which will provide information about the evacuation and defusing.

The Cologne transport company has also announced that there will be restrictions on light rail and bus routes. A practical tip for the people of Cologne: They are advised to avoid the city center during the evacuation. The city also offers two contact points where those affected can obtain information: the exhibition hall 10.1 for the right bank of the Rhine and the Humboldtstrasse vocational college for the left bank of the Rhine. Unfortunately, pets are not allowed at these contact points.

A historic day for Cologne

This evacuation is not only a logistical challenge, but also a historic moment for the city of Cologne. It is the largest in the post-war period and brings with it countless adjustments and changes for the people of Cologne. From wedding celebrations that had to be relocated to the surrounding area at short notice to the cancellation of concerts - the effects are far-reaching. The WDR has announced that it will publish several special editions to keep the population informed about the current situation.

In summary, it can be said that a lot is happening in Cologne during these hours. The clear instructions from the authorities are important for security, and the people of Cologne are required to adhere to the rules to ensure that the defusing process runs smoothly. The coming days will show how long this extraordinary measure will last and how the city can get out of this situation.