Cologne in a state of emergency: huge evacuation due to bomb finds!
Cologne in a state of emergency: huge evacuation due to bomb finds!
Köln-Deutz, Deutschland - On June 4, 2025, one of the largest evacuations have been held in Cologne since the end of the Second World War. The reason for this is the find of three air bombs from the Second World War in the Deutz district, which were discovered during exploratory work. These are two American 20-centers bombs and a ten-century bomb, all with surcharges that need to be defused. The defusing is scheduled for Wednesday, June 2, from 8 a.m. Around 20,000 people are affected by the evacuation measures. In a radius of 1,000 meters around the site, a barrier was set up, which also includes several important facilities, including the Ludwig , the Wallraf-Richartz-Museum, the Eduardus Hospital and two nursing and old people's homes.
The measures for evacuation began on Wednesday morning. Hundreds of emergency services ring in doors to inform the residents and move them to a safe departure. The city expects some people that may not leave the evacuation area voluntarily, which is why the police are forced to evacuate. In order to accommodate the evacuated citizens, various public institutions are available, including the Gaffel brewery on the Cathedral and the Cologne Cathedral.
severe traffic restrictions
The evacuation campaign also has a significant impact on traffic in the city. Important bridges such as the Hohenzollern, Deutzer and Severinsbrücke are closed during defusing. Deutsche Bahn reports that there will be massive restrictions on local and long-distance traffic. The Cologne-Messe/Deutz station is closed, trains that normally drive over this route are being redirected or are completely out. The Cologne Verkehrsbetriebe (KVB) also report restrictions on several light rail lines and bus connections. Passengers are asked to avoid the inner city area.
The city of Cologne describes this evacuation as the largest measure after the Second World War. The authorities have prepared well for the incident, in North Rhine-Westphalia there are between 1,500 and 2,000 bombs from the Second World War, with around 200 large calibers below. The city center of Cologne is the most densely populated region in Europe, which also complicates the situation.
public security and other measures
The security authorities have set up several contact points to offer the citizens information. In addition, a citizen phone under the numbers 0221/221-0 or 115 provides information about current developments. During the defusing of the bombs, airspace is closed over the city and shipping on the Rhine is paused. It is expected that the large -scale operation will end at around 6 p.m. Until then, the situation remains tense and the citizens are asked to follow the instructions of the emergency services.
according to the Report of the Tagesschau have already been canceled or postponed in order to take into account the evacuation. A concert by the WDR symphony orchestra in the Philharmonie was canceled, while the appearance of the comedian Tedros "Teddy" Teclebrhan was moved to Sunday. A total of 58 hotels, many restaurants, museums, schools and daycare centers are affected by the measures, which illustrates the dimension of this evacuation.
With this comprehensive campaign, the city of Cologne aims to ensure the security of its citizens and to counter the dangers of the bombs found that are reminiscent of the city's war. Details