Live Updates: Mass Evacuation in Cologne +++ 14:37 Elderly Gathered for Community Lunch Amidst Crisis
Unplanned Lunch Gathering with Elderly Individuals at the Meeting Spot
Facebook - Twitter - Whatsapp - Email - Print - Copy LinkCity lays out two emergency shelters for residents on left and right bank. Humboldtstraße on the left side accommodates Cologne dwellers, while the exhibition center houses those on the right side, accommodating around 1,000 people. While the lunch crowd swelled to around 150 individuals at midday, many elderly folks were present. Local authorities organized a ‘pick-me-up’ in the form of vegetarian stew and sausage options for the elderly residents. Despite the tense atmosphere, some gathered to read, play bingo, and rest with medical assistance available.
14:02 Deutz Quarter Vacant, Residents ScatterNothing short of a parking paradise, the right bank quarter of Deutz experienced an unprecedented absence today as locals either fled to the safety of family or friends outside the restricted zone. The streets are eerily quiet, and stores remain closed as residents prepare for an uncertain return. Multiple signs direct citizens to the designated shelters, assuring them of shuttle services.
13:36 ntv Reporter Provides Helicopter View of Bomb SiteThe evacuation efforts in Cologne escalate as the city grapples with the largest bomb disposal operation in history. ntv reporter Jan Heikrodt offers a unique perspective from a helicopter over the evacuation zone.
Vanished Shelter "Gulliver" Leaves Homeless StrandedDespite being within the restricted zone, the homeless shelter "Gulliver" is sealed off, generating a significant burden for the homeless community. Social worker, Sebastian Ebert shares his phone constantly buzzing with calls from homeless individuals seeking guidance on the rapidly evolving situation. Many local aid centers struggle to compensate for the closure of "Gulliver," leaving places to shower, obtain food, and access toilets highly limited. At least they were given a heads up to warn the vulnerable guests.
12:58 Love in the Time of Crisis: Couples Find Solace in PorzThe Historical Town Hall was the destination for 15 delighted couples expected to pledge their vows, but the change of location to the less glamorous Porzamarries doesn't disappoint. Registrar, Manuela Beilmann manages to encourage the nuptialbound to embrace the breathtaking Rhine views and the majestic cathedral vistas at their new venue.
12:25 Unexploded Bombs: How Dangerous Are They, Really?The danger posed by unexploded bombs largely depends on the type of fuse, according to Kai Kulschewski, head of explosive ordnance disposal at the Düsseldorf District Government. Two types of fuses exist - impact and time. The latter proves more dangerous because they work with acid and may corrode over time, potentially causing spontaneous explosions. However, Kulschewski reveals that an overwhelming 98% of unexploded bombs come with impact fuses, like the three being dealt with today. No case of self-detonation has been reported in North Rhine-Westphalia yet.
11:47 City Staff Check Homes: No Resistors FoundCity officials are busy knocking on doors to ensure no one is left behind as the evacuation calls extend to apartments. Luckily, cooperation and compliance seem to be at their best, with no resistors so far.
The Largest Evacuation Since World War IIThe current evacuation due to a bomb find in Cologne marks the largest one since the war's end. However, when ranked nationally, it only proves fifth in terms of affected individuals. In comparison, Frankfurt am Main saw over 60,000 evacuees in 2017, Augsburg and Hannover each recorded more than 50,000 evacuations in their respective years, and Koblenz recorded around 45,000 evacuees in 2011.
10:43 Eduardus Hospital Empties OutEduardus Hospital in Deutz transfers the remaining patients to other Cologne hospitals, assuring a well-planned operation.
Broadcasting Live Until the Bitter EndRTL studios keep their programming alive until the very last minute as they vacate the premises. Moderators Vanessa Civiello and Jan Malte Andresen keep the spirits high, even cutting off reporter Jan Heikrodt.
9:34 A Toast to Resilience: Brewery Offers Free Drinks to EvacueesOne of the city’s most renowned breweries, Gaffel am Dom, extends a helping hand to all those who have to leave their homes or workplaces, offering complimentary Wi-Fi and a welcoming drink to the first 100 guests.
9:02 Nationwide Impact, Disrupted Train ServicesThe large-scale evacuation in Cologne has extensive implications on national railway traffic, making previously essential train routes over bridges along the Rhine inoperable.
8:31 The Greatest Evacuation in Cologne’s History UnderwayThe city of Cologne faces a significant and historic evacuation. Since 8 am, roadblocks set up in the city center, check if all apartments are empty. The duration remains uncertain, but Cologne officials and bomb experts expect hours to pass before they can proceed with a safe bomb disposal.
8:19 Show Biz Stands StillFrom museums to concerts, the cultural scene in Cologne comes to a halt as the evacuation zone envelops key cultural landmarks such as Museum Ludwig, Wallraf-Richartz Museum, Musical Dome, and Philharmonic. Teddy Teclebrhan has rescheduled his performance at the Lanxess Arena for Sunday.
7:43 Bomb Watch Begins, Disposal in EveningBomb disposal experts stand guard over the three World War II-era American bombs found during exploratory work last Monday. They cannot proceed with the disposal until residents have safely evacuated the cordon area. The all-clear for disposal is expected around 6 pm.
7:13 Massive Disruptions to Train TravelThough the main station in Cologne escapes the restricted area, the Hohenzollern Bridge leading to it causes significant challenges to long-distance and local train traffic in North Rhine-Westphalia, resulting in disrupted transportation.
6:44 RTL Stands Down, Switches to Mobile OfficeRTL station headquarters in Cologne-Deutz will be partially evacuated, with early morning shows “Punkt 6” and “Punkt 7” proceeding live. However, the 8 am show “Punkt 8” is canceled, and RTL staff will operate from a mobile office on this day.
6:23 Designated Restricted Zone Includes Landmarks, Bridge ClosuresThe evacuation zone stretches to include tourist hotspots like the Rhine, Cologne’s Old Town, several schools, kindergartens, businesses, and event venues. Authorities have closed the city's bridges over the Rhine, while the Cologne-Deutz train station, City Hall and Deutz branch, a hospital, and two nursing homes require evacuation. The Cologne Cathedral and the main train station skirt the evacuation radius.
- Although some residents found solace in Porz amidst the crisis, the eviction of the homeless shelter "Gulliver" has left the homeless community without proper resources such as places to shower, obtain food, and access toilets.
- As part of the community's efforts to maintain health and wellness during the crisis, local authorities have organized vocational training courses at the shelters to help people improve their skills for a better lifestyle.
- Political discussions have arisen over the city's response to the crisis, with some questioning the effectiveness of the community policy and the decision to close the "Gulliver" shelter.
- The crisis has disrupted travel plans for many, including wedding couples, who had to vacate their original venue due to the evacuation and find alternative locations to get married, such as Porz.
- Despite the tense situation, the recent development of the city has spurred interest in science, with bomb disposal experts focusing on the chemistry and physics of the unexploded bombs found during the evacuation.
