by InTrieste
Authorities in Trieste are preparing for a large-scale evacuation on Saturday as experts work to defuse an unexploded World War II bomb discovered earlier this week near Magazzino 57 in the city’s port area.
The so-called “Bomba Day” operation will begin early in the morning, with residents living inside the designated “red zone” required to leave their homes starting at 6:30 a.m. Evacuation must be completed by 7:45 a.m., after which the area will be completely sealed off until the device is rendered safe.
The unexploded ordnance, found during construction work, has prompted an extensive safety effort involving local police, firefighters, and the Italian Army’s Third Engineer Regiment from Udine. Officials say the goal is to minimize risk while ensuring the operation proceeds efficiently.
Law enforcement will guard the red zone to prevent unauthorized access and potential looting. “Security will be guaranteed both for people and property,” the city said in a statement. Vehicles must also be removed from all public and private open spaces within a 468-meter radius of the site.
The restricted area includes parts of Passeggio Sant’Andrea, a key traffic artery in the city’s south. Several streets will be closed or limited to one-way traffic during the operation, with detours established along Viale Campi Elisi and Via Alberti. Residents of smaller side streets such as Via Picciola will be unable to exit private parking areas until the all-clear is given.
City officials expect the disruption to last only a few hours. If the defusing proceeds as planned, normal activity should resume by late morning, with updates shared through the municipality’s website and social media channels.
Residents needing help with the evacuation are asked to contact the city’s Civil Protection office before Friday evening. Temporary shelters have been arranged for those unable to relocate independently.
While Saturday’s evacuation covers only a small portion of Trieste, it highlights the lingering presence of wartime remnants in the region, a reminder of the city’s strategic role during World War II. Authorities have urged calm, emphasizing that safety protocols are well established and the operation is under expert supervision.
