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06/03/2025
June 3, 2025 WWII bombs found in Cologne to trigger evacuation of 20,000
An estimated 20,000 people will have to leave their homes in Cologne on Wednesday following the discovery of three World War II bombs, each weighing about 1 ton, which need to be defused.
It is one of the largest evacuations in recent years, a spokeswoman for the city authorities said on Monday. The evacuation area includes Museum Ludwig and the Wallraf-Richartz Museum, as well as large companies such as the television station RTL.
The historic center of Cologne is also in the evacuation radius, with 58 hotels and other accommodation providers needing to be evacuated. Three bridges over the Rhine will also be closed.
The Cologne-Messe/Deutz railway station, Cologne City Hall, a hospital and two nursing and retirement homes will also be evacuated but the iconic Cologne Cathedral is just outside the evacuation area.
Bomb disposal is a normal occurrence in Cologne, which was one of the most heavily bombed German cities during World War II.
