Cologne evacuates thousands so WW2 bombs can be diffused

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

The city said in a statement that US bombs were discovered on Monday in the shipyard in Diotz.

Unaccounted Ammunitions can still pose a danger, and the city closed the area within a diameter of 1000 meters (3,280 feet), in what he described as “the largest operation since the end of World War II.”

Houses, shops, hotels and schools were informed, as well as a large hospital and a major train station.

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

The residents were informed if they refused to leave their homes after the evacuation starts, they may face expensive fines.

Some intensive care patients in ambulances were assisted from Edwardus Hospital.

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

The city said that the service to get rid of bombs in Germany plans to spread the devices on Wednesday, but it can only be done once it leaves all the population in the densely populated area.

The evacuation began in the neighborhoods of the old city and Deutz, where officials move from the door to the door to tell people that they should leave their homes.

Many of the loud city streets were usually frighteningly deserted, as stores, restaurants and companies were informed of stopping work during the day.

Cultural institutions, including the Valhaarmonian Hall, many museums, as well as government buildings, 58 hotels and nine schools.

The transport was severely disabled, as all roads were closed in the area, many trains were canceled and the Mese/Deutz train station closed from 8:00 local time (07: 00Bst).

The authorities have created two projections for people who have no place to go during the evacuation period.

The population was asked to “stay calm”, bring their identity and any essential medications, and take care of their pets.

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

For some people, the evacuation was more than just uncomfortable. Fifteen husbands were to be married to the historic city hall in Cologne, but the celebrations were transferred to a location in another part of the city, according to the local media.