Citywide Evacuation Underway in Cologne After Discovery of WWII Bombs

Authorities in Cologne are moving forward with a mass evacuation of around 20,500 individuals after the detection of three undetonated bombs dating back to World War II in the heart of the city.

According to official information, the American-made explosives were uncovered Monday at a shipyard in the Deutz district. The city implemented a safety cordon with a one-kilometer radius, describing it as “the largest operation since the end of WW2.”

In order to proceed with the delicate defusal process, residents across a wide section of the city center — including households, businesses, hotels, and educational facilities — were required to vacate the area. The operation also included the evacuation of a large hospital and a central railway station.

“If you refuse, we will escort you from your home – if necessary by force – along with the police,” local officials stated, emphasizing that noncompliance could result in hefty fines.

Among those requiring special attention were intensive care patients, who were transferred by ambulance from Eduardus Hospital.

Although wartime explosives are still occasionally found in major German cities, including Cologne and Berlin, the bombs located this time were notable for their considerable size.

Bomb disposal technicians are aiming to neutralize the threat by Wednesday, but their work can only begin after the area has been fully cleared to ensure public safety.

Officials initiated the evacuation by going door to door in both the Deutz and Old Town areas, urging everyone within the affected zone to leave immediately.

The usually active streets of Cologne fell quiet, as restaurants, retail shops, and offices halted daily operations.

Government offices, museums, and the city’s Philharmonic Hall were also affected. A total of 58 hotels and nine schools fell within the evacuation zone.

The situation significantly disrupted local transportation, with major road closures and the cancellation of numerous train services. One of the city’s busiest stations, Messe/Deutz, shut down beginning at 08:00 local time (07:00 BST).

To support evacuees, officials opened two temporary facilities for those lacking alternative accommodations during the operation.

Residents were advised to “stay calm”, bring identification and vital medications, and ensure their pets were safely evacuated as well.

Air traffic remained operational at Cologne Bonn Airport, although access to the facility was expected to be challenging due to travel disruptions.

Not everyone was pleased with the timing. Reports indicated that fifteen couples had to relocate their weddings originally scheduled for the city’s historic town hall. The ceremonies were moved to a different location in Cologne to avoid cancellation altogether.