thedailywhat:

Helpful Reminder of the Day: 45,000 people will be forced out of their homes this Sunday after a 4,000-pound unexploded World War II-era bomb was found in the Rhine River near the German city of Koblenz.

“[I]t has been known for some time that this type [of bomb] was dropped over Koblenz [by the British Royal Air Force],” said the city’s press office.

Refusing to risk any injuries, officials have ordered the evacuation of nearly half the city’s residents. According to explosives experts, the bomb, which was exposed due to the rain-deficient Rhine’s dipping water levels, could damage windows up to a half-mile away.

In addition to the British bomb, other unexploded ordnance, including a 275-pound American bomb and a German smoke grenade, was also discovered at the site.

[s&s / photo: spiegel.]