Work to defuse WWII bomb in Rhine near Koblenz begins

Bomb disposal experts in the German city of Koblenz have begun defusing a 1.8 tonne bomb dropped by the Royal Air Force in World War II.

The bomb was discovered in the riverbed of the Rhine when water levels fell because of a prolonged dry spell.

Nearly half the city's population - 45,000 - have been evacuated, including the inhabitants of two hospitals, seven nursing homes and a prison.

It is the biggest bomb disposal operation in Germany since 1945.

Everyone living within a 2km (1.25 mile) radius of the bomb site has been ordered to leave the area.    Read More