Major evacuation in Cologne after second world war bombs discovered

Cologne is facing unprecedented evacuations as old unexploded bombs from World War II are being unearthed, prompting the departure of over 20,000 people from homes, businesses, and public spaces, including hotels, a care home, a hospital, multiple schools, and the tram network. Trains and bridges have also been disrupted. Authorities will conduct neighborhood checks on Wednesday to address the danger zones before attempting any defusal efforts, with residents encouraged to contact local hotlines or online resources for assistance. Given its history of heavy bombing during WWII, including a historic "thousand-bomber raid" in 1942, Cologne's experience is not unusual.