Major Evacuation in Cologne After Discovery of Second World War Bombs

In Cologne, Germany, a major evacuation is underway after the discovery of three unexploded bombs dating back to the Second World War. These bombs, believed to have been dropped by Allied forces during bombing campaigns in the 1940s, were found during construction or maintenance work. As a precaution, authorities have ordered the evacuation of approximately 20,000 people from the affected area. This includes residents, staff and patients from a hospital, occupants of a care home, and guests at local hotels. The evacuation is being coordinated by local emergency services and municipal authorities, who are also overseeing the bomb disposal operations. Such discoveries are not uncommon in German cities, where unexploded ordnance from World War II is occasionally found during construction projects. The authorities are taking measures to ensure public safety while bomb disposal experts work to defuse or safely remove the munitions. The operation is expected to continue until the area is declared safe for residents and businesses to return.