Authorities in Hong Kong are preparing to evacuate around 6,000 residents after a World War II-era bomb was discovered at a construction site in the Quarry Bay area. The bomb, found on Friday, measures 1.5 meters in length and weighs approximately 450 kilograms (1,000 pounds). Police say it is likely still “fully functional,” posing a serious threat to the surrounding area.
District Commander Andy Chan announced that, due to the high risk involved in safely dismantling the bomb, an emergency evacuation plan has been activated. Residents from 18 residential buildings are being told to leave their homes by Friday night. Bomb disposal operations are scheduled to begin early Saturday morning.
Hong Kong, once a battlefield during the Second World War, still occasionally sees remnants of war unearthed. The city was one of the early targets of Japan’s military campaign in Asia and witnessed intense fighting between Japanese and Allied forces. Even today, hikers and construction workers occasionally discover unexploded bombs buried beneath the ground.
Police confirmed the bomb is of the same type as one found in 2018 in the Wan Chai district. That incident required the evacuation of 1,200 people and took nearly 20 hours for the bomb squad to safely defuse the device. The similarity has raised concerns that this operation could also be lengthy and complex.
Emergency services remain on high alert, and authorities are urging residents to follow evacuation instructions. Officials have assured the public that all necessary precautions are being taken to ensure safety and minimize disruption during the disposal process.