Cologne's Massive Evacuation: 20,500 Residents Leave for Bomb Disposal

Cologne is taking extraordinary measures to ensure safety for its residents as authorities target unexploded World War II bombs found in the area.

The German city of Cologne has begun evacuating approximately 20,500 residents from a significant area in the city center due to the presence of three unexploded bombs from World War Two. Discovered earlier this week in a Deutz shipyard, the American ordnance is prompting what city officials are calling "the largest operation since the end of WWII."

To facilitate the bomb disposal, a 1,000-meter (3,280-foot) exclusion zone has been established, leading to the closure of homes, shops, schools, and even a major hospital in the vicinity. The authorities noted that refusal to evacuate could result in police intervention and possible fines for non-compliance.

As a precaution, intensive care patients from the Eduardus Hospital were transported out by ambulance. Experts from the bomb disposal service are planning to defuse a ten-tonne (10,000kg) and a twenty-tonne (20,000kg) bomb on Wednesday, contingent on the complete evacuation of the area.

The evacuation process has involved officials making door-to-door visits, instructing residents to vacate their homes. The disruption extends to nearly every aspect of life in the region, with shops, restaurants, and cultural institutions like the Philharmonic Hall temporarily ceasing operations. The situation has caused significant travel disruptions, with closings to roads and cancellations of many train routes, including the Messe/Deutz train station, closed since 08:00 local time.

Authorities have also established drop-in centers to assist those in need during the evacuation. Residents are advised to remain calm and bring identification, essential medications, and care for their pets. Meanwhile, flights at Cologne Bonn Airport are expected to continue, though access may be challenging due to travel restrictions.