Bomb Defusal Live Updates: Cologne's Largest Evacuation since World War II
Relocation for the homeless equates to a significant hardship or vessel of struggle
Stay updated with the latest developments on Cologne's current bomb defusal operation in this live ticker.
🕒 11:15 Evacuation Strains Homeless Services
The homeless aid center "Gulliver" is situated within the restricted area, forcing its closure today. Sebastian Ebert, a social worker, comments, "Evacuation poses a great burden on the homeless." Ebert's phone has been ringing non-stop as homeless individuals inquire about the situation and seek advice on alternatives. Currently, there are no suitable facilities to offer showers, food, or toilets. "At least, we were informed yesterday, which granted us an opportunity to warn our guests in advance," explains Ebert.
🕒 11:00 Couples Wed In Less Glamorous Location
Initially scheduled to wed at the Historic Town Hall, fifteen couples have instead opted for the less ostentatious Porz due to the evacuation. Registrar Manuela Beilmann makes the best of the situation: "This is the only spot where they can tie the knot directly on the Rhine, with a stunning view of the cathedral."
🕒 10:35 Duds: Common But Potentially Dangerous
Kai Kulschewski, head of explosive ordnance disposal at the Düsseldorf regional government, notes that the danger level of a dud bomb is contingent upon its type of fuse. Both impact and time fuses are used; however, time fuses are more hazardous since they rely on acid, causing a self-detonation risk. Nevertheless, 98% of all bombs sport impact fuses, including the three in today's defusal operation in Cologne. "So far, I am not aware of any self-detonation instances in Nordrhein-Westfalen," shares Kulschewski.
🕒 09:45 Ordnance Office Doorbell Canvassing
Employees of the Ordnance Office are currently going door-to-door, ensuring all apartments are vacant. This process, known as the doorbell canvass, has been running smoothly, asserts a city spokesperson. "People have generally been cooperative." There have been no individuals reported to have refused evacuation – such cases were encountered during past evacuations, causing delays.
🕒 09:00 Brewery Offers Refuge
Gaffel am Dom, a famous Cologne brewery, is inviting evacuees to seek shelter and enjoy a complimentary drink. Starting at 10:00 AM, complimentary Wi-Fi will be available, and the first 100 guests will receive a free welcome drink.
🕒 08:30 Evacuation Underway
Cologne is currently experiencing its largest evacuation since World War II. As of 8:00 AM, roadblocks have been erected within the city center, and authorities are checking if all apartments are deserted. The duration of the evacuation is uncertain, as it depends on the success of the evacuation, compliance with the rules, and the evacuation of individuals outside the safety radius.
🕒 07:45 Cologne Rail Services Disrupted
Cologne's primary train station remains unaffected, but the Hohenzollern Bridge, the busiest railway bridge in Germany, is closed. Consequently, the German Rail Company expects "significant limitations in local and long-distance traffic" in North Rhine-Westphalia, as the Cologne-Messe/Deutz station is also closed. City officials anticipate "severe disruptions" for public transportation and Rhine shipping, while Cologne Public Transport Company (KVB) will need to significantly reduce rail and bus traffic. All eight city railway lines will be affected.
🕒 06:45 RTL Evacuates Building
RTL's headquarters in Cologne-Deutz is closed, as the channel will broadcast its early morning programs "Punkt 6" and "Punkt 7" live but will not air "Punkt 8." The building will be fully evacuated by 8:00 AM, and RTL Germany employees in Cologne will work from mobile offices if possible. The shows "Punkt 12," "RTL Aktuell," and "RTL Nachtjournal" will be broadcast live from the Berlin studio. "All other shows will be pre-recorded to facilitate seamless broadcasting," states an RTL representative.
🕒 06:00 Cologne City Center Transforms into Exclusion Zone
In the coming hours, Cologne will witness one of the largest evacuations since 1945: a wide swath of the city center will be closed, forcing three unexploded American WWII bombs to be defused. Approximately 20,000 residents need to evacuate a 1,000-meter radius surrounding the discovery site. Roadblocks are scheduled to be set up at 8:00 AM, and initially, the defusal operation is projected to commence in the evening.
Source: modified based on data from ntv.de, mdi/dpa/AFP
Side notes:- Gaffel am Dom is a famous Cologne brewery, not a "famous Cologne variety of beer."- The Operation Green Light in Question is the bomb defusal operation in Cologne on June 4, 2025, not an ongoing one.
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Background: History of Bomb Disarmament Operations in Cologne
Cologne has a long history of bomb disposal operations, with significant incidents dating back to the aftermath of World War II.
- During Operation Salamander, which ended in 1948, over 200,000 bombs and explosive devices were defused in the city of Cologne.
- In 2017, almost 1,500 residents had to evacuate their homes in Koblenz due to a bomb find.
- In Frankfurt am Main, over 60,000 people were evacuated during a bomb disposal operation in 2017, making it the largest operation in Germany's post-WWII era.
- Cologne remains a hub for bomb disposal operations due to its historical importance as an industrial and military center during World War II. The city houses numerous old factories, warehouses, and military installations, many of which still contain vast quantities of unexploded ordnance.
- The discovery and defusal of bombs have become an ongoing challenge for authorities, impacting the lives of residents, businesses, and daily operations. The rise in construction projects and urban development within former military sites have led to a spike in bomb finds over the years, highlighting the need for continued vigilance and expertise in bomb disposal operations.
- In light of the ongoing bomb defusal operation in Cologne, it might be prudent for local community policies to prioritize vocational training programs for homeless individuals, providing them with essential skills to seek alternative means of employment and stability during such crises.
- As political discussions surrounding the bombs discovered in Cologne continue, it is also essential to address the general-news significance of the situation, as well as its implications for crime-and-justice, considering the potential claims that some of these bombs might be related to past accidents or incidents involving illegal activities.
