Cologne evacuated thousands so that World War II bombs can be distributed

The German city of Cologne evacuated about 20,500 people from a large area in the city center so that experts can defuse three unexplored World War II bombs.

The US bombs were opened on Monday at a shipyard in Dutz, a statement of the city said.

Unsecured The Order can still pose a danger and the city has sealed the area within a radius of 1000 m (3,280 feet), in what it described as “the biggest operation since the end of World War II”.

Homes, shops, hotels and schools are told to evacuate, as well as a large hospital and a main station.

“If you refuse, we will accompany you from your home – if necessary by force – along with the police,” the authorities said.

Residents were told that if they refused to leave their homes after the evacuation began, they could face expensive fines.

Some patients with intensive treatment were assisted in ambulances by the Edward hospital.

Finding Bombs from World War II is not uncommon in German cities such as Cologne and Berlin, but the difference here is that these bombs are particularly large.

The Bomb Disposal Service plans to dispel the devices on Wednesday, but this can only be done after all residents in the densely populated area leave for their own safety, the city said.

The evacuation in the Old Town and the DEVC neighborhoods began with officials going from door to door to tell people that they need to leave their homes.

Many of the usually busy streets in the city were ominously empty as the shops, restaurants and business were told to stop working during the day.

The hall is affected by cultural institutions, including the Philharmonic Hall and many museums, as well as government buildings, 58 hotels and nine schools.

The transport was severely disturbed, with all roads closed in the area, many trains are canceled and the Messe/Deutz station was closed from 08:00 local time (07: 00bst).

Authorities have set up two dropout centers for people who have nowhere to go during the evacuation period.

The residents were told to “stay calm”, bring their ID and all kinds of basic medicines and take care of their pets.

Cologne Bonn Airport said flights will continue as usual, but traveling to the airport by train or road can be difficult.

For some people, the evacuation was more than a little uncomfortable. Fifteen couples were planned to marry Cologne’s historical mayoralty, but the ceremonies were moved to another part of the city, local media reported.