Live Update: Cologne's Biggest Evacuation Since World War II 🚨🇩🇪
Couples make their way to Porz for their wedding ceremonies at 12:58 PM.
With over 20,000 residents fleeing their homes in a 1,000-meter radius, the largest evacuation in Cologne since the war ends hits us in early June 2025. The reason? Three undetonated US bombs from World War II were discovered during road construction prep![1][2]
Here's the scoop:
💼 9:30 AM: Workers say "Bye-bye" to the office: Office workers in the affected zone have been advised to ditch their desks before 8 AM or steer clear of the area entirely. No point in being neck-deep in work when the city's a battlefield!
🏥 Hospitals: Patients on the move: Affected hospitals are transferring their patients to other Cologne facilities with military precision to ensure everyone's safety. Keep calm, patient peeps!
👨❤️👨 Lovebirds switch venues for their big day: Couples who were initially set to exchange vows at the Historical Town Hall have moved their ceremony to the less glamorous Porz, where Standesbeamtin Manuela Beilmann promises a stunning view of the Rhine and the cathedral. Cheers to a dress and disaster-free ceremony!
🔥 Bomb Sitch 101: The bombs, each weighing 20 tons, are equipped with impact fuses, which pose a risk but nothing to panic about, says Kai Kulschewski, head of explosive ordnance disposal at the Düsseldorf Regional Government. There are no reported cases of spontaneous detonation in North Rhine-Westphalia, so keep those chill vibes going![3]
🚨 Police: No refusers so far: The police report that no one has refused to evacuate their homes, unlike during past evacuations. Cooperation between the residents has been smooth-sailing so far. Bravo, Cologne citizens![1]
The Community policy and employment policy discussions in relevant city councils have been temporarily put on hold, as the city's priority now revolves around the evacuation and safety of its citizens. In this critical situation, some residents might consider altering their lifestyles or employment policies to accommodate the temporary displacement, if necessary. Meanwhile, some entertainment events scheduled in Cologne this week may face cancellations or rescheduling due to the ongoing evacuation, creating an unexpected shift in the local lifestyle and social calendar.
