Cologne evacuates thousands to bombs of war can be scattered

The German city of Cologne evacuates about 20,500 people from a large area in the city center, so experts can discharge three unsolved bombs from World War II.

American bombs were discovered on Monday in the shipyard in Deutz neighborhood.

Short bombs can still be dangerous, and the city is sealed from the 1000m (3280 feet) zone in that it called “the largest operation since the end of World War II”.

Houses, shops, hotels and schools were told to evacuate, as well as a large hospital and a major train station.

“If you refuse, we will accompany you from your home – if necessary, with the police,” the authorities said.

The residents were told when they refused to leave their homes after the evacuation began, they could threaten expensive fines.

Some intense therapy patients were assisted in an ambulance from Edward.

The bombs in the country plans to spread bombs with ten tons (10,000 kg) and 20-ton (20,000 kg) bombs on Wednesday, but it will not be done until all the residents of the area leave their own security, the city said.

Evacuation in the old town and Deutz neighborhoods began with the officials went on the door to tell people that they should leave their homes.

Many of the most lively streets of the city were terribly deserted, as shops, restaurants and businesses ordered to stop work during the day.

Cultural institutions, including the Philharmonic and many museums, were affected, as well as state buildings, 58 hotels and nine schools.

Transport was severely broken, all roads were closed in the area, many trains were canceled, and the Messe/Deutz railway station was closed from 08:00 local time (07:00).

Authorities set up two centers for people who have no nowhere to go during the evacuation period.

Residents were ordered to “remain calm”, bring their certificate and any necessary medicines and care for their pets.

Cologne Bon Airport said the flights would continue as usual, but traveling to an airport on a train or road may be difficult.

For some people, the evacuation was more than a little uncomfortable. The pairs had to marry Cologne’s historical town hall, but the ceremonies were transferred to a place in another part of the city, local media reported.