Cologne in a state of emergency: greatest evacuation since World War II!

Cologne in a state of emergency: greatest evacuation since World War II!

Köln Deutz, Deutschland - On June 2, 2025, construction workers discovered three bomb flabor from the Second World War when working on the Deutz shipyard in Cologne. These historical explosives, consisting of two American 20-centers bombs and a 10-hundredweight bomb, are equipped with surcharges. The city of Cologne immediately ordered a comprehensive evacuation to secure the defusing of the bombs, which is planned for Wednesday, June 4, 2025. From 8 a.m. on this day, the Deutz studio of the RTL headquarters must be cleared, which is located directly in the evacuation area, which has a significant impact on the program.

The evacuation takes place within a radius of 1,000 meters around the site, which affects a total of around 20,000 people. This evacuation campaign has been the largest in Cologne since the end of the Second World War. Affected areas include the entire old town of Cologne as well as large parts of Deutz, including critical infrastructures such as the Eduardus Hospital and two retirement homes.

comprehensive effects on the infrastructure

To ensure security, the Severinsbrücke, the Deutzer Brücke and the Hohenzollern Bridge will be completely blocked on June 4, 2025. Railway traffic is also massively affected because many lines from Cologne traffic companies (KVB) have to hire the company. The city of Cologne urgently advises to avoid public transport and stay at home if possible.

The RTL program plans were also adjusted: While the early magazines "point 6" and "point 7" are regularly transferred from the Deutz broadcast center, "point 8" is canceled. The programs "Point 12", "RTL Aktuell" and "RTL Nachtjournal" are also sent from the Berlin Capital Studio. All other formats are recorded to continue to supply the viewers.

restrictions in Cologne cultural and school life

The city's cultural offers are almost quiet during the evacuation. The Lanxess Arena, the Musical Dome and the Philharmonie are in the restricted area, which leads to the cancellation or postponement of many planned events. In addition, nine schools and numerous daycare centers have to remain closed, and the city administration is also severely restricted because the town hall has to be cleared.

The evacuation is not only a logistical challenge, but also affects the daily life of many Cologne. The approximately 5,000 residents who were forced to evacuate on the night often have no alternatives than in temporary emergency shelters. In addition to IDs, those affected should also take their medication, baby food and other urgent personal objects with them, while pets may not be taken into the contact points for security reasons.

The city of Cologne has set up a central point of contact for the residents concerned in the gymnasium of the Humboldstrasse vocational college in order to support the confused people and to coordinate the evacuation. The fire brigade and the regulatory office are on site to help the safe and orderly evacuation of the citizens. The situation remains tense because the defusing of the bombs is expected to take the whole Wednesday until all security precautions are taken.

For many Cologneers, it is a challenging moment, both through the historical background and through the immediately impending measures. The city administration and involved service providers strive to ensure the security of the population and to keep the effects on everyday life as low as possible.

Overall, it can be seen that the rediscovery of such historical relics not only awakens memories, but also has a significant impact on modern city life. Developments in Cologne continue to be observed while the city is preparing for the upcoming evacuation.