WWII Bombs Force Mass Evacuation of Cologne

Cologne, Germany witnessed its largest postwar evacuation Wednesday as authorities removed and defused three World War II-era bombs. Over 20,000 residents were compelled to leave the city center after the unexploded ordnance was discovered Monday during groundwork for planned road construction. The scale of the evacuation underscores the continued, lingering danger posed by remnants of the war, even decades later. While such discoveries are unfortunately not uncommon in Germany, the necessity to move such a large population highlights the significant logistical challenges and potential risks involved in dealing with these historical hazards. The successful defusal, however, is a testament to the expertise of German bomb disposal teams and the effectiveness of established emergency protocols. It’s a stark reminder of the past, but also a demonstration of preparedness in the present.