Germany orders evacuations for WWII bomb disposal in Brandenburg and Münster

German authorities have announced a controlled detonation of World War II munitions in the forest area between Borgsdorf and Oranienburg. The operation, scheduled for 26 August 2026, will create a 1‑km exclusion zone and requires the evacuation of roughly 2,800 residents. A temporary assistance centre will be set up in Hohen Neuendorf town hall and a dedicated hotline will operate from 12 August.

In a separate case, the city of Münster is investigating a suspected WWII bomb at Lamberti‑Kirchplatz. Preliminary surveys identified two suspicious spots; one has been cleared, while the other remains under suspicion. Authorities plan to expose the site in autumn, with road closures and possible evacuation prepared in advance so the square can host the Christmas market later in the year. Both incidents are being handled by German explosive ordnance disposal units in coordination with local fire and safety services.