Evacuating 20K People in Cologne: A Scenario from WWII Times
Removal of Three World War II Explosives in Cologne: Forced Displacement of 20,000 Citizens - Mass evacuation of 20,000 residents in Cologne due to disarming of three World War II bombs
Here's a lowdown on the evacuation chaos that swept over Cologne, Germany, all due to an unexpected encounter with the past.
- Uncovering the Time Capsule
- During routine pre-construction work in Deutz, three time capsules from WWII were uncovered: two 20-ton American bombs and one 10-ton American bomb, each with a ticking impact fuse.
- City officials swiftly sprang into action, recognizing the urgency and danger these relics posed.
- The Great Exodus
- Residents in the affected zone were given the boot early Wednesday morning. Offices emptied out by 8 am, and the general populace was advised to steer clear of the area.
- The order affected homes, hotels, schools, a hospital, nursing homes, museums, office buildings, and the Messe/Deutz train station. The Rhine's bridges were sealed, and boat traffic was halted.
- Seeking Refuge
- Evacuees were herded towards exhibition halls and college buildings for temporary shelter.
- Buckle Up or Get Moved
- authorities made it clear, residents who refused to heed the call could face heavy fines and possible police intervention to help them pack their bags.
- Operation De-bomb
- Bomb disposal squads were dispatched to disable the bombs on-location. Once neutralized, they were moved to protective storage containers for ultimate dismantling and disposal.
- The defusal process reportedly took an hour, as stated by city authorities.
All this hustle was a safety measure, crucial in an era when remnants of WWII bombs still lurk beneath the cityscape, posing a potential threat. Similar instances of evacuations have been recorded across Germany over time.
- The Commission, amidst the chaos, was asked to propose a directive on the protection of workers in the city, considering the risks related to exposure to carcinogens from the excavation process.
- In a rare moment of respite during the evacuation, a group of eager locals organized an impromptu pick-up game of soccer in one of the nearby parks, bringing a sense of normalcy and camaraderie to the anxious crowd.
