**Cologne Faces Historic Evacuation for WWII Bomb Disposal**

Cologne is taking unprecedented steps to ensure public safety during the defusal of World War Two bombs, impacting thousands of lives.

The city of Cologne is undertaking a significant evacuation effort, removing approximately 20,500 residents from areas surrounding Deutz in the city center to safely defuse three unexploded WWII bombs. The ordnance, discovered earlier this week in a local shipyard, includes two American bombs weighing 10 tons (10,000 kg) and 20 tons (20,000 kg). This operation, described by officials as "the largest since WWII," has compelled authorities to establish a 1,000-meter exclusion zone surrounding the site.

Evacuations included homes, businesses, hotels, schools, and a major hospital in the affected vicinity, while crucial infrastructure like Deutz train station was also closed. Officials warned residents that non-compliance could lead to police intervention and potential fines. Particularly vulnerable individuals, including intensive care patients from Eduardus Hospital, were given assistance to ensure their safe transit away from the hazardous area.

As the evacuation commenced, city officials conducted door-to-door assessments to notify inhabitants of the urgent need to vacate. Many cultural institutions, such as the Philharmonic Hall, museums, and government buildings, were also closed. Transportation services faced severe disruptions, with many roads shut down and numerous trains canceled. Nonetheless, Cologne Bonn Airport remains operational, although access may prove challenging.

In light of the situation, authorities have set up temporary drop-in centers to accommodate those displaced by the evacuation. Residents were advised to remain calm, pack essential medications and documents, and ensure their pets were cared for during the process.