Authorities in Berlin ordered the evacuation of thousands of residents after discovering a World War II-era bomb in the Spree River near the city center. The bomb, believed to be a large aerial device dropped during the Second World War, was found during routine work and deemed too dangerous to move, prompting immediate safety measures.
Evacuation and Safety Measures
The evacuation started late Friday and continued into early Saturday. Residents within a significant radius of the bomb’s location were asked to leave their homes for safety reasons. Emergency shelters were established around the city center to accommodate those displaced by the evacuation.
- Long lines formed at shelters as people sought overnight refuge.
- Transport services in and out of affected zones were temporarily suspended.
- City officials used multiple communication channels to urge calm and cooperation.
Bomb Disposal Operation
Specialized bomb disposal units arrived early Saturday morning to begin defusing the device. The operation was expected to take several hours, during which the area remained closed to non-essential personnel.
Context and Public Response
Discoveries of unexploded ordnance are not uncommon in Berlin due to heavy bombing during World War II. Municipal authorities conduct regular surveys along the Spree River and other locations to ensure public safety.
Residents expressed mixed emotions ranging from concern to relief. Local officials emphasized that safety remains the top priority and are working diligently to neutralize the threat as quickly as possible.
Next Steps
- Authorities plan to reopen evacuated zones after successful defusal is confirmed.
- Citizens are advised to follow updates and avoid the affected areas until the all-clear is given.
Stay tuned for more updates from Questiqa Europe News.
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