Cologne evacuated 20,000 for WW2 bomb defusal

In a pre-emptive safety measure, the German city of Cologne has initiated a large-scale evacuation of approximately 20,500 individuals from a significant section of its city centre. This precautionary measure is being taken to facilitate the safe defusing of three unexploded American bombs dating back to World War II. The explosives were discovered in a shipyard in the Deutz district. The evacuation is taking place within a 1,000-metre radius of the site, affecting homes, businesses, schools, a large hospital, and a major train station. Local media outlets have reported that the devices in question are notably large. Authorities have established two evacuation shelters to accommodate individuals with no alternative accommodation options. In light of the ongoing investigation, local rail and airport transport services will be temporarily suspended to facilitate the work of the bomb squad.