Much of the center of the German city of Dresden has been evacuated, after the discovery of a large unexploded British World War Two bomb, the BBC reports.
The 250kg device was discovered near the former Carola Bridge, which collapsed in the Elbe River in 2024.
The fire brigade in Dresden says this is the city’s largest evacuation to date for such an incident, affecting around 18,000 residents, tourists and commuters.
Much of the old town has been cordoned off, including some of the city’s most famous buildings – the iconic Frauenkirche Lutheran church, the Residenzschloss Palace and the Semper Opera.
The police headquarters, Saxony’s state parliament, several ministries, retirement and nursing homes, daycare centers and other social institutions are also located in the evacuated area.
The authorities are providing emergency accommodation at the Dresden Exhibition Centre from 07:00 (06:00 GMT), while additional buses and trams will be running to this location.
It is not clear how long it will take to defuse the bomb.
