Cologne Undertakes Major Evacuation to Neutralize WWII Bombs
More than 20,000 residents of Cologne are being evacuated from the city center as bomb disposal experts prepare to defuse three unexploded World War II-era US bombs.
Discovery and Evacuation Zone
The bombs were unearthed during road construction in the Deutz district, near the historic city center. The evacuation zone spans a 1,000-meter radius and encompasses numerous residential buildings, 58 hotels, nine schools, multiple museums, and office complexes.
Impact on Infrastructure
The large-scale operation necessitates the temporary closure of key infrastructure. This includes the heavily used Hohenzollern railway bridge, a crucial link to Cologne's central station, and the suspension of shipping on the Rhine River.
Defusal Efforts
Authorities aim to defuse the bombs during the day, with the exact timing depending on the complete evacuation of the area.