Mass Evacuations in Cologne and Cottbus Due to WWII Bombs

In Cologne, a major evacuation is set for Wednesday as three World War II bombs await defusal. Around 20,000 residents must vacate their homes, making it one of the city's largest evacuations in recent years. The affected area includes hospitals, retirement homes, bridges, hotels, museums, and the RTL television station. Bombs from the war are often found in Cologne due to its heavy bombing during that time.

Meanwhile, in Cottbus, a 250-kilogram World War II bomb is also scheduled for defusal. The main train station is closed, disrupting rail, bus, and tram services. Approximately 1,800 residents are required to evacuate, affecting a senior home, a school, and several other buildings. About 200 emergency personnel are involved in the operation.

Both cities illustrate the lingering impact of past conflicts, necessitating large-scale evacuations and significant operational adjustments to ensure public safety. These events disrupt daily life but are handled with meticulous planning and coordination to mitigate risks.