Dresden Evacuates 18,000 for World War Two Bomb Disposal

Authorities in Dresden evacuated around 18,000 residents after an unexploded 250 kilogram British bomb from World War Two was discovered in the city center. The device was found during reconstruction work on the Carola Bridge, which partially collapsed in 2024, prompting the largest evacuation operation in the eastern German city to date.

More than 400 police officers and emergency personnel secured a one kilometer exclusion zone, ensuring homes, shops, schools, care facilities, historic landmarks and government buildings were cleared. A helicopter and drone were deployed to assist in monitoring the area.

Bomb disposal experts planned to use a water jet cutter because the detonator is damaged, a complication expected to delay the operation. If defusing efforts fail, authorities may consider detonating the bomb on site. Dresden, heavily bombed in February 1945 with up to 25,000 people killed, has seen several similar discoveries in recent years.