Cologne, Germany, experienced a large-scale evacuation today after the discovery of an unexploded World War II bomb. The American-made bomb was found near the Rhine River in the Deutz district during routine surveys.
Approximately 20,000 residents within a 1,000-meter radius of the discovery site were evacuated. Critical infrastructure within the evacuation zone includes the Eduardus Hospital and two nursing homes.
The bomb's presence also disrupted transportation, affecting three Rhine River bridges, river navigation, rail traffic south of the Central Station, and several public transport lines. City Hall, local administration buildings, event venues, major companies, schools, and hotels were also impacted.