German city to evacuate 13,600 residents over unexploded WWII bomb

Around 13,600 residents of the northern German city of Wilhelmshaven will be required to leave their homes on Tuesday, September 1, after an unexploded US bomb dating from World War II was discovered, authorities said, as quoted by dpa.

The 250-kilogram bomb, fitted with two fuses, will require the evacuation of everyone within a 1-kilometre radius before bomb-disposal experts can attempt to defuse it.

Police said on Monday that although the fuses are not long-delay devices, the ignition system still poses a residual risk.

The bomb was discovered during construction work at the naval arsenal.

The evacuation is scheduled to begin at 8 a.m. local time (0600 GMT), with the Südstadt and city centre areas, as well as the Heppens district, required to be completely cleared by 11 a.m., police said.

Three sports halls will be made available as emergency shelters for residents who cannot stay elsewhere. Bus services in the affected area will be suspended from 8 a.m. on Tuesday.

Two schools and five childcare centres within the evacuation zone will remain closed on Tuesday morning.

The city's crisis team will coordinate with emergency services and the municipal transport operator to assess the situation at care and nursing homes in the affected area and determine whether they, too, need to be evacuated.

Authorities have not indicated how long the evacuation will remain in effect.

By Tamilla Hasanova