Thousands moved in Brest bomb hunt
Mine disposal experts searched the centre of Brest for unexploded bombs and 16,000 people had to leave their homes
About 16,000 people in Brest were evacuated from their homes in a search operation for unexploded Second World War bombs.
Mine disposal experts opened an 800-metre radius search area after preliminary checks with metal detectors suggested 83 shells and 15 other potentially dangerous objects in the city centre.
However, the search of 22 sites found only one shell, with 3kg of explosives. Other assorted pieces of metal were discovered, but none was considered dangerous.
About a tenth of the city’s population was affected by the search and residents had been warned about the plans last month.
They had been told to leave their homes at 7am on Sunday – and were not allowed back for 12 hours. Many chose to leave on Saturday to stay with relatives.
A further 700 spent the day in temporary shelters set up by the local authorities. They were offered free drinks, games, cakes, and access to a TV and a selection of DVDs to pass the time.
Several hotels were evacuated, the Sunday market was cancelled and a multiplex cinema closed.
Brest was a key German naval base during the Second World War and was heavily bombed by the Allies in summer 1944.
It is believed about a tenth of the 30,000 tonnes of explosives that fell on the city failed to detonate.
Photo: Ville de Brest
