Imagine waking up to a loud knock on your door, only to find out that you need to leave your home immediately. That's what happened to over 1,200 residents in Plymouth when a massive WWII bomb was discovered at a nearby construction site. The bomb, weighing a whopping 250kg, was found in the Southway area of the city, and authorities quickly sprang into action to ensure everyone's safety.

One of the biggest concerns with this bomb is its fuses. Col Nick Handy, the senior explosives officer, explained that these fuses are what make the bomb go off. Unfortunately, despite using X-rays, they couldn't get a clear reading of one of the fuses, making it too risky to move the bomb. So, they've decided to blow it in place.

Teams of experts are working around the clock to build a protective structure using sand to reduce the impact of the blast. Their goal is to deflagrate the bomb, or burn it, inside this structure, which will minimize damage to the surrounding area. Residents within the cordon (a 400-metre exclusion zone) have been told to leave their homes, and authorities are providing shelter and accommodation for those who need it.

While authorities say there are no plans to expand the exclusion zone, they're keeping a close eye on the situation. Only time will tell when it's safe for residents to return home.

In the meantime, the community is coming together to support those who've been affected. The Southway Youth and Community Centre is open to accommodate evacuees, and Plymouth City Council is arranging hotel stays for those who can't find alternative shelter.