Cologne in turmoil: greatest evacuation since 1945 for bomb finds!

Cologne in turmoil: greatest evacuation since 1945 for bomb finds!

Deutz, Köln, Deutschland - in Cologne, a historical bomb find causes great excitement and the largest evacuation project since World War II. On June 4, 2025, around 20,000 people have to leave their apartments in the Deutz district 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 significant facilities.

The defusing of the bombs is scheduled to begin on Wednesday, but an exact time window has not yet been determined. The roadblocks were put into force from 8 a.m., at the same time the authorities check whether all affected households are cleared. The city of Cologne announced that the duration of the measure depends on compliance with the regulations by the population. This evacuation affects not only residential areas, but also facilities such as the Eduardus Hospital, two old people's homes and numerous museums and hotels. Tagesschau reports that the musical Dome and several schools are also in the area.

traffic restrictions and cancellations

The Cologne team not only feel the consequences of the bomb find in their four walls. Deutsche Bahn has already reacted with considerable restrictions in local and long-distance transport. The Hohenzollernbrücke and the Deutzer and Severinsbrücke are blocked during the defusing, which leads to diversions and possible pull failures. The Cologne Messe/Deutz station also remains closed to the period of evacuation. Many travelers who prepare for a trip are particularly affected. Trains temporarily no longer stop at this central point. Tagesschau also reports on increased media reporting on Wednesday, which will provide information about the evacuation and defusing.

The Cologne traffic companies have also announced that there are restrictions on the light rail and bus lines. A practical tip for the Cologne population: it is advisable to avoid the city center during the evacuation. In addition, the city offers two contact points where those affected can find out more: 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 historical day for Cologne

This evacuation is not only a logistical challenge, but also a historical moment for the city of Cologne. It is the largest in the post -war period and brings countless changes and changes for the Cologne residents. From wedding celebrations that had to be transferred to the surrounding area at short notice, right down to cancellations - the effects are far -reaching. The WDR has announced that it will bring several special editions to keep the population up to date on the current situation.