Why Are Thousands Still Evacuated Over a WWII Bomb?

Authorities are set to dispose of a World War Two bomb dredged from Exmouth Marina at sea on Friday morning, following the discovery of multiple unexploded ordnance (UXO) in the region. Thousands of residents in Exmouth and Plymouth are currently displaced due to safety cordons, which have been extended as bomb disposal experts assess the situation.

Last updated: 05 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

The recovery of a World War Two bomb from Exmouth Marina has led to significant disruption in the area. With a 600m cordon in place, approximately 5,000 people are currently displaced from their homes. The cordon was widened on Thursday night to include an additional 500 properties, and residents are being urged to leave their homes promptly to ensure their safety.

In Plymouth, a separate 100m cordon surrounds a construction site where a 50kg German SC50 bomb was discovered. Local councils are working diligently to provide support and temporary shelter for displaced residents. Exmouth Leisure Centre has been designated as a support hub, with additional sleeping bags and mats delivered to accommodate those in need.

Key takeaways

A World War Two bomb will be disposed of at sea on Friday morning.
About 5,000 residents in Exmouth have been evacuated due to safety cordons.
A separate bomb was discovered in Plymouth, leading to further evacuations.

Timeline: how we got here

The situation has rapidly evolved over the past few days:

2 October 2023: Initial discovery of unexploded ordnance in Exmouth.
3 October 2023: Warnings issued to local residents; cordons established.
4 October 2023: Cordon expanded to 600m; further evacuations announced.
5 October 2023: Planned disposal of the bomb at sea during high tide.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Authorities have confirmed that bomb disposal experts will transport the device to sea for disposal at high tide on Friday morning. Enhanced scanning equipment is also en route to assist in ensuring that the bomb is handled safely.

What was already established

It was previously known that multiple unexploded bombs were found in Exmouth and Plymouth, but the extent of the evacuation and the cordon expansion have escalated the urgency of the situation. The local councils have been proactive in providing support to displaced residents.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The bomb discoveries have significantly disrupted daily life for thousands of residents. With many people displaced, access to homes, businesses, and local services is severely limited. Authorities are working on providing temporary shelter and resources for those affected.

Businesses and jobs

Several local businesses have been forced to close due to the evacuations, including the Moxy Hotel and the Millbay Academy. The construction site in Plymouth remains sealed off, affecting ongoing projects and potentially delaying local economic activities.

Policy and regulation

Local councils, including East Devon District Council and Plymouth City Council, are coordinating efforts with military bomb disposal experts to manage the situation effectively. The councils are also addressing public concerns regarding the timing of the bomb recovery and are conducting thorough surveys to ensure safety.

Numbers that matter

5,000: Estimated number of residents displaced in Exmouth.
600m: Length of the cordon established around Exmouth Marina.
50kg: Weight of the German SC50 bomb found in Plymouth.
500: Additional properties included in the cordon after expansion.

Definitions and jargon buster

UXO: Unexploded ordnance, which refers to munitions that did not detonate as intended.
SC50: A type of German bomb used during World War Two, weighing approximately 50 kg.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

Residents should remain aware of developments as the bomb is disposed of. Continued assessments by bomb disposal experts will be crucial for safety and might lead to further evacuations as necessary.

Medium term (1–6 months)

Authorities will likely conduct ongoing surveys to identify any remaining UXO in the area. Local businesses may need to adapt to disruptions caused by the evacuations and potential delays in construction projects.

Signals to watch

Updates from East Devon District Council and Plymouth City Council regarding the status of evacuations and bomb disposal.
Information on the reopening of affected schools and businesses in the area.

Practical guidance

Do

Follow instructions from local authorities regarding evacuations and safety measures.
Seek temporary shelter at designated locations if you are displaced.

Don’t

Do not attempt to return to evacuated areas until authorities have declared it safe.
Avoid spreading unverified information about the situation.

Checklist

Ensure that you have an emergency kit ready if you need to evacuate.
Stay informed through official channels for updates on the bomb disposal.
Make arrangements to stay with friends or family if you are affected by the evacuations.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

The situation remains fluid, with new information emerging as bomb disposal teams assess the devices. Local councils have acknowledged public concerns regarding the timing and safety of the recovery efforts. Residents should remain vigilant and follow guidance from authorities, as the presence of UXO continues to pose risks.

Bottom line

The discovery of World War Two bombs in Exmouth and Plymouth has led to significant evacuations and disruptions. Authorities are taking decisive actions to ensure safety, with plans to dispose of the bomb at sea. Residents and businesses should prepare for ongoing developments as the situation evolves.

FAQs

What is happening with the bombs found in Exmouth and Plymouth?

A World War Two bomb in Exmouth will be disposed of at sea, while another unexploded bomb has been found in Plymouth, leading to evacuations in both areas.

How many people have been evacuated?

Approximately 5,000 residents in Exmouth have been evacuated due to safety concerns regarding the unexploded ordnance.

When will the bomb in Exmouth be disposed of?

The bomb is scheduled to be disposed of at sea early on Friday morning, during high tide, to ensure a safe operation.