Written by Lisa Murimi
In an unprecedented emergency operation, over 20,000 residents are being urgently evacuated from central Cologne after three massive World War Two-era bombs were discovered in a shipyard in the Deutz district on Monday.
Authorities have sealed off a 1,000-meter radius in what is now the largest evacuation the city has undertaken since the end of the war.
The unexploded American bombs—each weighing between 10,000 and 20,000 kilograms—pose a serious risk and must be defused immediately.
“If you refuse, we will escort you from your home – if necessary by force – along with the police,” the authorities said.
Residents were told if they refused to leave their homes after the evacuation began they could face expensive fines.
Entire neighborhoods in Cologne’s historic Old Town and Deutz areas are being cleared, including 58 hotels, nine schools, shops, restaurants, and even the Eduardus Hospital, where intensive care patients were transferred via ambulance.
Major landmarks such as the Philharmonic Hall and key museums are also affected.
Transport across the city is in chaos. All roads in the evacuation zone are shut down, trains have been cancelled, and the Messe/Deutz station closed from 08:00 local time.
Although Cologne Bonn Airport remains operational, access is severely restricted.
The bomb disposal team is prepared to defuse the devices on Wednesday, but cannot begin until the area is fully cleared.
Residents are urged to remain calm, bring identification, essential medicines, and care for pets.
Temporary shelters have been opened for those with nowhere to go. Authorities stress: safety depends on swift and complete evacuation.
