Berlin Grapples with WWII Bomb Threat, Evacuating Thousands

The discovery of an unexploded World War II bomb in Berlin’s Mitte district resulted in an extensive emergency operation. Approximately 10,000 residents were evacuated from their homes as a safety measure. The bomb, which had remained dormant for 80 years, was located in the Spree River. A 500-meter security zone was established to ensure public safety. The bomb’s location, four meters below the surface and buried in sediment, posed challenges. Emergency shelters were set up in the town hall and a nearby school to accommodate evacuees. The incident caused significant disruption to transportation, including road closures and the suspension of metro line 2. Fortunately, it was later determined that the bomb did not require defusal, allowing residents to return to their homes. In a related incident, another WWII bomb was found in the Spandau district, prompting the evacuation of 12,400 people in preparation for defusal.