Aftermath of War in Cologne - Bomb find: evacuation of hospitals and nursing homes underway
Before defusing a World War II unexploded bomb in Cologne, the evacuation of around 6,000 people within a 500-meter radius of the discovery site continues after several hours. In the district of Rodenkirchen, two senior homes with around 350 residents and two clinics also need to be evacuated, a city spokesperson reported on Tuesday afternoon. The American 10,000-pound bomb was discovered on Monday during construction work.
The unexploded bomb was scheduled to be defused later in the day. However, transporting patients to other hospitals for further treatment is proving challenging. Some senior home residents will need to be temporarily accommodated in other facilities or hospitals, while others may be able to stay with family or in a collection point.
Doorbell round still ongoing
By midday, the first "doorbell round" was nearly complete. Staff from the public order office went door-to-door, urging residents to leave their apartments, houses, offices, or shops. "There will be a second doorbell round to ensure everyone has left the danger zone," the city spokesperson said. The defusing process may not begin until the evening.
Traffic disruptions possible
The city has set up an information point at a local high school gym. The explosive ordnance disposal service of the Düsseldorf regional government and the city's public order office have been on site since the morning.
Traffic disruptions are expected due to road closures. Buses and trams have been rerouted.
Unexploded bombs are regularly defused in the cathedral city.
The evacuation process extends beyond the initial 5,000 people, as senior homes and clinics in the Rodenkirchen district also need to be evacuated, given the location of the unexploded bomb discovered in Cologne. Despite the challenges, arrangements are being made to transport patients and temporarily accommodate some senior home residents.
Even with traffic disruptions due to road closures and rerouted buses and trams, the explosive ordnance disposal service continues their work in Cologne, a city known for regularly defusing unexploded bombs, including one discovered near a construction site.
