60,000 Greek residents evacuated so WWII bomb can be defused

Authorities in Thessaloniki, Greece’s second-largest city, are undertaking one of the largest peacetime evacuations in the country’s history to safely defuse and dispose of an unexploded WWII bomb.

Major Evacuation Operation in Thessaloniki

The evacuation in the Kordelio neighbourhood of Thessaloniki is set for Sunday 12th February, affecting up to 60,000 residents. Officials have instructed those living within a 2-kilometre (1.2-mile) radius of the bomb site to leave their homes for up to five hours while experts carry out the delicate operation.

Discovery of the WWII Bomb

The bomb, estimated to weigh over 250 pounds, was discovered buried more than 16 feet deep near Thessaloniki’s central railway station. The ordnance was unearthed during excavation work for expanding a gas station’s underground fuel tanks.

Greek emergency services, including bomb disposal experts, police, and municipal authorities, have been coordinating efforts to ensure a smooth evacuation and minimise disruption. Shelters have been set up for those affected, and transport services will assist residents in relocating during the operation.

Military specialists will work meticulously to defuse the bomb, which has been lying dormant since WWII, before transporting it for safe disposal. While this type of operation is uncommon, it underscores the ongoing risks posed by historical ordnance.

This large-scale evacuation highlights the dangers of unexploded ordnance (UXO), a hazard that continues to impact communities worldwide. From former battlefields to areas that were heavily bombed, these remnants of war pose serious risks to public safety and infrastructure projects.

Prevent Unexpected, Costly Delays to Your Project

Unexploded ordnance remains a significant challenge for construction and development projects in the UK and internationally. Encountering UXO can lead to costly delays, safety risks, and regulatory complications.

At Brimstone UXO, we specialise in UXO risk assessments, surveys, investigations, and disposal services. Our expertise ensures that construction projects can proceed safely and efficiently without the threat of unexpected UXO discoveries disrupting progress.

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