Cologne faces its largest peacetime evacuation since 1945 as World War II-era bombs awaken from the past.
At a Glance
- Discovery of three unexploded World War II bombs led to the evacuation of over 20,000 people.
- The bombs were found in the Deutzer Werft area of Cologne-Deutz, delaying daily life.
- The largest evacuation operation in Cologne since post-war times affected rail services, schools, and event venues.
- The defusing process was prolonged when a resident refused to evacuate.
Unexploded Ordnance Disrupts Cologne
Three unexploded bombs from World War II were discovered during construction work in a shipyard on the Rhine River, prompting the mandatory evacuation of 20,000 residents in the German city of Cologne. This is the largest evacuation operation in Cologne since the end of World War II. The unearthed bombs—two American 20-ton bombs and one 10-ton bomb—were equipped with impact fuses. Their discovery in the Deutzer Werft area required a 1,000-meter radius evacuation zone, a stark reminder of Cologne’s strategic wartime history.
As dramatic as it might seem, the presence of such ordnance is not uncommon in Germany due to the heavy wartime bombardment it endured. However, this recent episode has severely impacted daily life in Cologne. Rail services were delayed, schools shuttered, and local churches and venues faced closures. The disruption extended to critical infrastructures like roads and shipping routes on the Rhine, disrupting the vibrant pulse of daily city life.
Coordinated Response and Challenges
The removal operation was prepared and executed by the experts from the Rhineland Explosive Ordnance Disposal Service. “We can only start when the last person is out,” said Kai Kulschewski, underscoring the potential dangers and the delicate nature of the operation. The evacuation zone encompassed vital institutions, including Eduardus Hospital, where even intensive care patients had to be evacuated. To manage those displaced, authorities set up drop-in centers and advised residents to bring necessary items, including ID and medications.
“We can only start when the last person is out” – Kai Kulschewski, head of explosive ordnance disposal in neighboring Düsseldorf.
The defusing operation, though expected to take about an hour, experienced delays as one resident initially refused to vacate their home. The operation finally concluded successfully by 7:19 PM local time, allowing displaced residents to begin returning to normalcy after a day of disarray.
A Historical Lesson for Modern Times
Cologne’s recent evacuation wasn’t just about dealing with a present threat. It served as a jarring reminder of the historical scars that cities can carry well into the future. This incident underscores the necessity of being ever-prepared for unforeseen challenges that resurface from the past. The orderly and well-coordinated disposition of unexploded ordnance reassures urban communities of the robustness of their emergency response systems.
“If you refuse, we will escort you from your home – if necessary by force – along with the police” – the authorities.
As the city resumes its rhythm, this episode remains a vivid caution against complacency in facing historical threats. Modern Cologne may have quelled the dangers from decades ago, but the faint echoes of past conflicts call for vigilance and readiness at all times.
