German city's evacuation order lifted after World War II bombs defused
Share this @internewscast.com

The city of Cologne in Germany has successfully completed the evacuation of 20,500 people, marking its largest evacuation since World War II, after officials safely defused three large unexploded bombs.

The bombs, which were American-made and included two weighing 20 tonnes and another weighing 10 tonnes, were discovered in a shipyard on Monday. This prompted the establishment of a significant “danger zone,” leading to early closures on Wednesday.

The evacuation affected various facilities, including a hospital, two retirement centers, and the city’s second-largest train station. Additionally, schools, churches, museums, and two prominent cultural venues—the Musical Dome theatre and the Philharmonic Hall—were located within the evacuation perimeter.

One of the three unexploded bombs from World War II is fenced off with screens as specialists prepare to defuse them in Cologne, on Tuesday, June 3, 2025. (Thomas Banneyer/dpa via AP)(AP)

Allied nations conducted 262 air raids of Cologne during World War II, killing approximately 20,000 residents and leaving the city in ruins.

Nearly all of the buildings in the Old Town were destroyed, as were 91 of the city’s 150 churches.

A massive reconstruction effort took place after the war, with the Old Town rebuilt and major landmarks restored.

But small evacuations still take place on a regular basis when unexploded ordnances are found. About 10,000 residents had to leave their homes last October when another American bomb was found, and last December, 3000 people were asked to evacuate.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Tammy Hembrow fled the country this week after announcing her shock split from husband Matt Zukowski

Tammy Hembrow Enjoys a July Christmas Celebration with Her Kids After Leaving the Country Post-Split from Husband Matt Zukowski: ‘This Was Just What I Needed’

Tammy Hembrow fled the country this week after announcing her shock split…
Mystery bone fragment found in private search for abducted children

Bone Fragment Discovered During Personal Search for Missing Children

A peculiar piece of bone was found during a search at a…

East Coast Prepares for Possible Severe Weather Conditions

A looming low pressure system is set to intensify, bringing possible flooding…

The Global Fascination with Australia’s ‘Mushroom Murder’ Trial

Recently, the regional Victorian town of Morwell has gained global attention. Patterson…
Shooting suspect appears in court as victims and their dog lie in state

Shooting Suspect Appears in Court as Victims and Beloved Dog Honored in State Ceremony

Former President Joe Biden paid tribute to Minnesota’s former speaker of the…

Pete Hegseth Celebrates ‘Unprecedented Triumph’ of Strikes as Iran Claims ‘No Benefits Achieved’

US defence secretary Pete Hegseth has said he was unaware of any…
A desperate search continued today for the missing remains of alleged murder victim Julian Story.

Search Ongoing for Missing Remains Following Reality TV Star’s Murder Charge

Warning: This story contains content some readers may find distressing. A desperate…
Relatives of Palestinians killed in Israeli strikes on the Gaza Strip mourn their deaths at Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, Saturday, June 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Jehad Alshrafi)

At Least 72 Dead in Gaza After Israeli Airstrikes, Including Sleeping Family

Three children and their parents were killed in an Israeli strike on…
Rush hour traffic gridlock on busy Sydney main road.

New Road Regulations Effective July 1: Increased Tolls and Lower Speed Limits

Sweeping changes will be made across the country on July 1, affecting…

‘It’s Fatal’: Why the UN Warns of Dangerous Flaws in the New Gaza Aid System

The United Nations Secretary-General has termed the new US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation…
Hannah Thomas, 35, was hurt in Belmore in the city's south-west during the heated protest on Friday morning.

Ex-Greens Candidate Hospitalized Following Arrest at Israel Protest

Warning: Graphic image A former Greens candidate who ran against Prime Minister…
Olivia White, influencer and content creator

“It’s Going to Escalate’: How Olivia Discovered Her Anonymous Troll”

The internet may be about to experience a seismic shift. Influencer Indy…