A bomb, dropped in 1944 above Annecy, was found last October. While it threatens the safety of residents, 3,800 people were called to leave the area this Sunday, November 24.
A “major operation”. In Annecy, in Haute-Savoie, 3,800 residents are called to evacuate their homes this Sunday, November 24, during the clearance of a bomb dating from the Second World War, the authorities indicate in a press release.
The bomb was “discovered on October 22” by chance “during a construction site in the Hirondelles sector”, specifies the prefecture. “The civil security mine clearance teams intervened immediately to secure the area, which is now out of danger,” she assures.
However, “in order to continue the work, a mine clearance operation is organized on Sunday November 24, 2024, with the support of specialized teams”, she said.
An “imperative” evacuation
Concretely, “the entire population located within the 400 meter perimeter around the machine is invited to take the necessary measures to evacuate the area on Sunday, November 24 at the latest at 8:30 a.m. until the end of operations.”
“As part of this important operation, evacuation within this perimeter is imperative,” underlines the prefect.
For people having difficulty finding temporary accommodation during the operation, an online questionnaire was available so that they could report and be accommodated in a reception center.
Environ 230 kg
According to Le Dauphiné Libéré, the bomb is a British device still in working order. Measuring approximately one meter long, 30 cm in diameter, it weighs approximately 230 kg.
It was dropped on May 10, 1944 on Annecy, targeting a local factory, but never exploded. For 80 years, it remained buried, before finally being found last October.
The mine clearance operation was to begin this Sunday around 10 a.m., after the evacuation of the entire Hirondelles district in Annecy.
Traffic disruptions to be expected
“The security perimeter will cause disruptions in traffic on roads and railways within the perimeter,” the authorities warned on Friday.
The railway tracks of Annecy station, the surroundings of the bus station and the bus lines of the SIBRA network are thus neutralized. Residents are invited to “postpone” their trips to the area.
The mine clearance operation is coordinated by the Haute-Savoie prefecture, in conjunction with the local authorities. The end time of the operation was not given.
