02 Jul 2020 | 12:02 AM UTC
Germany: Thousands in Bremen ordered to prepare for evacuation on July 5
More than 10,000 in Bremen ordered to prepare for evacuation on July 5 following discovery of suspected unexploded ordnance; follow authority directives
Event
More than 10,000 residents in Bremen have been ordered to prepare for an evacuation on Sunday, July 5, following the discovery of a suspected unexploded ordnance (UXO). The suspicious object was discovered on Monday, June 29, at a construction site at the Ostfeuerberger Ring in the Walle district. A bomb disposal squad will examine the object on Sunday morning. Should the object be determined an UXO, the radius for the evacuation will be between 300 and 400 meters (330-440 yards).
Expect a localized disruption to traffic and a heightened security presence in the near term.
Context
The discovery of WWII-era UXO is a common occurrence in German cities. While the majority of finds go unreported and only cause limited disruption, some discoveries lead to the evacuation of tens of thousands of residents. In 2012, a 230kg (500lb) unexploded bomb in Munich was deemed unsafe for transport and had to be detonated on site, causing structural damage to nearby properties.
Advice
Individuals in Bremen are advised to monitor the situation, avoid the area, anticipate transportation disruptions, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.
