Germany: Successful WWII-era bomb defusal forces schools to close

Schools remained closed and streets were closed off as 20,000 people were evacuated from their houses as a World War II-era bomb was safely defused in Cologne, Wednesday morning. A 1km (0.62 miles) safety zone was established between the WWII-era bomb and Cologne's residents to ensure their protection during the procedure. The bomb weighs an estimated two tonnes and contains 600kg (1322 lbs) of explosives. The bomb disposal team of the City of Cologne had prepared for its disposal since last Friday. A retirement home of 1,300 habitants required the assistance of 800 paramedics, firefighters, police troops and administrative personnel to assist with their evacuation. The evacuation was completed at 14:00 CEST. The defusing took place at 16:30 CEST.