Ammunition finds in Straussee: red alert for Strausberg!

Ammunition finds in Straussee: red alert for Strausberg!

There is currently legitimate concern in the northeast German town of Strausberg: there could still be remnants of past wars hidden in Lake Straussee, namely ammunition. The city administration received information about several ammunition discoveries at a depth of at least seven to eight meters. The current situation not only causes excitement among residents, but also calls for the expertise of the explosive ordnance disposal service.

Moz reports that three suspected locations in Straussee have already been confirmed. While there is no immediate danger to bathers, extensive safety measures have been put in place. The recovery of the ammunition is planned for the period from September 22nd to 25th. Both the explosive ordnance disposal service and divers are deployed to safely lift the remaining ammunition.

The explosive ordnance disposal service in action

The Explosive Ordnance Disposal Service (KRD) in Germany, which is responsible for civilian explosive ordnance disposal, has specialized in the defusing and disposal of unaccounted explosive ordnance, which often dates back to before 1945. According to Wikipedia, the tasks of the KRD are complex: from reconnaissance to area clearance. The recovery of unexploded bombs in particular plays a central role. This ammunition poses a constant threat until it is either defused or rendered harmless.

In order to clarify the situation in Strausberg, a comprehensive clearance concept is being developed. Proper handling of ammunition is ensured by a well-trained team of ammunition specialists employed by the KRD.

Historical context and outlook

Researching historical exposure to explosive ordnance is not a new challenge. After the Second World War, the Allied occupying powers initially assumed responsibility for explosive ordnance disposal before this fell into the hands of the federal states. Each federal state has now established its own explosive ordnance disposal services, but the basic structure and supervision is the responsibility of the state ministries of the interior, as described in the Explosive Ordnance Disposal.

The costs for the recovery and disposal of explosive ordnance are regulated, with property owners, the state and the federal government jointly bearing the financial burden. This is particularly true when large quantities of ammunition offenses are discovered. This could be a scenario like this in Strausberg.

While the strict security measures in Streusberg have the well-being of the citizens in mind, it remains to be hoped that the upcoming rescue work will go smoothly and that the hoped-for all-clear can be given soon. The idyll of the Straussee could soon be enjoyed again without worries.