In Plymouth, southwest England, thousands of residents have been forced to evacuate as authorities address the discovery of a 500-kilogram (1,102-pound) unexploded World War II bomb located at St. Michael Avenue.
In one of the largest peacetime evacuation operations since WW2, the bomb is set to be moved via a military convoy to the Torpoint Ferry slipway, with a 300-meter (984-foot) cordon established along the route, according to the Ministry of Defence.
Plymouth City Council has outlined plans for the bomb’s disposal at sea, emphasizing the necessity of the move due to the risk of significant damage to properties in the Keyham area, including the destruction of houses and potential flying debris. Superintendent Phil Williams of Devon and Cornwall Police assured the public that the army has thoroughly assessed the risk, deeming this relocation as the lowest risk option.
Residents received evacuation orders with a deadline of 2 p.m. local time (9 a.m. ET), with an expected return allowance three hours later. Additionally, authorities announced the closure of the city’s trainline, suspension of ferries, and diversion of buses as precautionary measures during the operation.