Authorities in Dresden, Germany, have announced the evacuation of significant portions of the city's center after the discovery of a 250-kilogram unexploded World War II bomb. The bomb was located near the former Carola Bridge, which had collapsed in 2024. Approximately 18,000 residents, tourists, and commuters are being evacuated from the area, which also houses several ministries, nursing homes, and day care centers.

Emergency services are coordinating the evacuation and have set up shelters to accommodate those affected starting at 7 a.m. Local buses and trams are on standby to transport evacuees safely. The timeline for the bomb's disarmament remains uncertain, adding urgency to the situation as officials seek to manage the potential risks associated with the bomb's presence in a densely populated urban area.

Dresden's history as a site of extensive bombing during World War II means that such finds are not uncommon, sparking renewed discussions about safety measures and the handling of unexploded ordnance in Germany. The city's efforts to ensure public safety amid the ongoing threat of such historical remnants underscore the challenges faced in urban areas with deep historical contexts.