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Cologne is set to carry out its largest evacuation since World War II on Wednesday, following the discovery of three unexploded bombs in the city's Deutz district. Approximately 20,000 people are being evacuated as bomb disposal units get ready to deactivate two 20-ton bombs and one 10-ton bomb, all fitted with impact fuses, according to public broadcaster WDR.
The evacuation area covers large sections of Cologne’s city center and historic old town, leading to the shutdown of 58 hotels, key museums, schools, kindergartens, and government offices. Additionally, the Hohenzollern, Deutz, and Severin's bridges crossing the Rhine have been closed, along with the Cologne Messe/Deutz train station.
Deutsche Bahn cautioned about extensive delays and cancellations, including the suspension of the ICE Sprinter service between Cologne and Berlin, as well as certain routes to Stuttgart. Trains are being diverted, resulting in delays of up to 10 minutes.
Cologne officials stated that evacuations and closures started at 8 a.m. local time, warning that individuals who do not cooperate could be removed by police. The city has opened two drop-in centers for displaced residents, one in Exhibition Hall 10.1 and another at the Humboldtstrasse Vocational College. Pets are not allowed at these sites.
Large companies like RTL Deutschland have shifted operations to remote work, and live broadcasts are being relocated to Berlin for the day.
The exact timing of the bomb defusal remains uncertain.
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