Germany: 20,000 people evacuated in Cologne due to WWII bombs being defused.

On Wednesday, the city of Cologne in Germany underwent a large-scale evacuation as three WWII bombs were discovered and had to be defused.

This operation is one of the largest the city has seen, with approximately 20,000 people being instructed to leave the affected area. The bombs, two of which weigh 200 pounds (90 kilograms) and one 100 pounds, were uncovered in the Deutz district, which is across the Rhine from the city center. The area is rich with historical buildings, including the Cologne Cathedral, which is outside the danger zone. The evacuation affected numerous hotels, the town hall, museums, a hospital, and two care homes. The city's transportation systems, including rail services operated by Deutsche Bahn, were also impacted, with many trains being diverted or canceled. The evacuation process included the closure of several roads and bridges, as well as increased security presence.

Cologne was heavily bombed during World War II, and the discovery of unexploded ordnance is not uncommon. The city has a history of conducting defusal operations, though this particular incident is notable for its size and scope. The city hopes that the operation will be completed within the day.
Dwnews