Italy: Evacuations scheduled in Brindisi due to unexploded WWII bomb December 15

Event

Authorities in Brindisi (Apulia region) have ordered at least 54000 residents to evacuate a 1.5 km (0.9 mi) radius within the city center starting from 05:00 (local time) on Sunday, December 15, in order to carry out a controlled explosion of a WWII bomb. From 05:00, local authorities will close all 41 entrance points to the city; cars within the 1.5 km (0.9 mi) radius "red zone" cannot remain parked in the area and must also vacate the zone. Residents within a 500 m (1640 ft) radius of the detonation point must also turn off their gas supply. Local authorities will also close the highway between Lecce and Bari from 07:00, followed by rail operations from 07:30, and Salento Airport (BDS) from 09:30. Bomb technicians are due to begin disarming the bomb at 08:00 and have reportedly said that they plan to finish around 13:00. 

Local transportation and business disruptions are expected in the area on Sunday. Up-to-date information on the scheduled evacuations can be found on the Brandisi Municipality website here.

Advice

Individuals in Brindisi and the Apulia region are advised to anticipate localized traffic disruptions, allow extra time to reach their destinations, and to follow any instructions issued by the local authorities.