WWII aerial bomb defused in Dernau: Around 600 people evacuated on Friday

Assembly point and traffic closures

For people who could not stay with relatives or friends, an assembly point was set up at the Freundschaftshaus Marienthal on Donau-Ries-Platz. In addition, public transport, including the Ahrtalbahn, as well as road traffic in the affected area were closed.

Voices from the collective municipality

Wolfgang Stodden, chief administrative officer of the Verbandsgemeinde Altenahr, explained upon inquiry that the evacuation had proceeded successfully. As a result, the defusing could begin earlier than originally planned.

Background: Ahr Valley flood five years ago

The incident evokes memories of the Ahr Valley flood disaster five years ago, which had hit Dernau particularly hard. Several people died, houses, the bridge, and roads were washed away. The ongoing probing works along the Ahr are connected to the reconstruction following this disaster.

The defusing itself was carried out by the responsible ordnance disposal service. After the work was completed, the residents were able to return to their homes. The collective municipality informed on site about the exact time and further procedure for the return.

World War II aerial bombs are regularly found in Germany during construction and probing works, especially in regions that were heavily affected by Allied air raids. In recent decades, unexploded ordnance has repeatedly been discovered and rendered harmless in the Ahr Valley and the Eifel.

According to the authorities, the closures were lifted gradually as soon as the defusing had been successfully completed. As a result, rail traffic on the Ahrtalbahn as well as road traffic in the affected section could resume.