One of the largest-scale evacuations is to take place in Thessaloniki on Sunday, as up to 60,000 are expected to leave their homes, while experts will dispose of an unexploded World War II bomb.
The bomb was found in the inner suburb of Kordelio, in the Western area of Greece’s second-largest city, near the central railway station, during work for the expanction of a gas station’s underground tanks. The bomb, which is estimated to weigh 250kg and contain 150kg of explosives, was found buried 5 meters deep and any attempt to remove it has not been successful. The existing underground tanks have since been emptied, to minimize the risk of a potential explosion. The excavator reportedly missed hitting the bomb for just 4 mm, which might have caused a major explosion.
Deputy regional governor (and former Olympian) Voula Patoulidou told the Associated Press on Monday that military and police authorities will try to detonate the bomb on the spot. “We are not going to bury it, because if we do, it might bury us in its turn”, she said. Authorities have since called for people living 2 kilometres around the site to keep away for up to five hours on Sunday, during the operation. This is not the first WWII bomb to be found in Greece, but never before has one been found in residential area. “The last thing we need is to panic”, said Voula Patoulidou. “Those in charge of the operation are perfectly qualified and are set to do the best job possible”. The regional government has arranged for buses to transfer people from the area, during the operation, while the army and police forces will secure the perimeter.