In one of the largest post-WWII bomb disposal operations in Cologne, authorities have ordered the evacuation of 20,000 people from the city center after three unexploded bombs were found. The evacuation affects residents, schools, businesses, and critical facilities

At least 20,000 people were evacuated today from the center of Cologne, western Germany, after the discovery of three unexploded World War II bombs. The bombs are set to be defused later in the day.

The three American-made bombs were found during construction work on Monday. Two of them weigh 1,000 kilograms each, and the third weighs 500 kilograms. All are equipped with impact fuzes.

The bomb disposal unit from Düsseldorf has taken responsibility for defusing the explosives.

The evacuation order also applies to a hospital, two nursing homes, a railway station, many businesses, restaurants, hotels, as well as nine schools and kindergartens, according to the city’s announcement.

Map of the Cologne area being evacuated for bomb disposal:

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Although World War II ended nearly 80 years ago, German cities still contain unexploded ordnance buried underground, often discovered during construction.

In 2017, the discovery of a massive 1.4-ton bomb in Frankfurt led to the evacuation of 65,000 people.

In December 2021, another bomb exploded at a construction site near Munich’s train station, injuring four people and halting train services.