WWII Bombs Still Haunt Germany Today
CISR
This headline is brought to you by the Center for International Stabilization and Recovery (CISR) which works to support resilience and recovery in global communities affected by war and conflict.
(Forbes) In Cologne, Germany, a 1,100-pound WWII-era bomb recently unearthed during construction led to the evacuation of 3,000 people. Such discoveries are common, with around 2,000 tons of unexploded ordnance found and detonated annually in Germany. Bomb disposal teams face immense risks, handling mortars, artillery shells, grenades, and aerial bombs—some requiring immediate detonation on-site due to instability. Aging ordnance becomes more hazardous as casing materials degrade, exposing potent explosives like TNT to the elements.
Historical photos often reveal bombs buried beneath schools or homes, necessitating evacuations and controlled detonations. Tragically, some bombs still detonate unexpectedly, causing damage and loss of life. Germany remains locked in a battle with remnants of its past, highlighting the enduring dangers of wartime legacies and the bravery of those mitigating these threats.
