Wilhelmshaven: Second World War bomb found – evacuation of 13,600 people

An American five hundredweight bomb from the Second World War was found during work in the naval arsenal in Wilhelmshaven. In order for the unexploded bomb to be defused with two detonators, a radius of a thousand meters had to be evacuated at short notice on Tuesday, the city said. Even if these are not long-term detonators, there is still a residual risk to the ignition system.

The evacuation begins at 8 a.m. The area must be completely cleared by 11 a.m. Around 13,600 people living in the southern part of the city, the city center and Heppens are said to be affected. Three sports halls will then be available as emergency accommodation. Bus traffic will stop on Tuesday morning from 8 a.m., but school buses should run regularly beforehand.

According to a police statement, two schools and five daycare centers in the area are also affected, all of which must remain closed on Tuesday morning. The city's crisis team, together with the emergency services and the city's transport company, is taking care of the affected old people's and nursing homes and their possible evacuation.