Major evacuation in Cologne due to dismantling of WWII bombs

In the German city of Cologne, a large part of the city center is being evacuated today due to the dismantling of three bombs from World War II.

The evacuation of around 20,000 people started at 08:00. A large part of the roads are being closed in and around the Deutz district. The three bombs are located in the city center, near the Deutz shipyard.

The bombs are two American 2000-pounders and one American 1000-pounder, discovered on Monday.

The entire city center of Cologne falls within the area that must be evacuated. According to the municipality, today's evacuation is the largest operation in the city since the end of World War II.

Nine schools, a hospital, the central station, museums, daycare centers, nursing homes, and dozens of hotels must all be evacuated. Three bridges over the Rhine are also being closed.

For people who cannot find their own alternative during the evacuation, the municipality has set up two walk-in centers.

On the municipality's website, residents of Cologne are being prepared for the evacuation. "Stay calm, prepare yourself, and wait for information," the municipality writes. It is also advised to think about any pets during the evacuation.

How long the evacuation will last and how much time the dismantling of the three bombs will take is still unclear.