"To manage the crowds, the public order office is deploying up to 400 staff, along with around 2,600 security personnel from external service providers. Police are also sending up to 1,500 additional officers. Last year, Islamists suspected of belonging to so-called Islamic State (IS) used social networks to call for attacks including on Cologne's celebrations. The security assessment remains one of caution."
"Police classify the situation as "still abstractly high." Cologne police director Martin Lotz said there were no concrete indications of planned attacks, including against large gatherings, but warned that authorities must be prepared for anything. "It is as quiet or as unsettled as in recent years," Lotz said."
"Meanwhile, Cologne Mayor Torsten Burmester has warned visitors to the city against excessive revelry and drinking. "It's wonderful when people come to Cologne because they appreciate the vibrant nightlife here," the politician told the dpa news agency. "It's also clear that we mustn't let this degenerate..." "There's no right to do things here that you wouldn't be allowed to do in your own hometown," he said. Germany's DWD national weather service says carnival participants should expect a rainy start, with repeated and sometimes prolonged rainfall through Friday."
Street Carnival season begins at 11:11 a.m. on Fat Thursday, dedicated to women, with hundreds of thousands expected in Cologne. To manage crowds, the public order office will deploy up to 400 staff, about 2,600 external security personnel, and police will send up to 1,500 additional officers. Security remains cautiously elevated after last year's social-media calls by suspected IS members. Authorities report no concrete indications of planned attacks but remain prepared. The Cologne mayor warned against excessive revelry and drinking. Weather forecasts predict rainy conditions, repeated prolonged rainfall, and possible strong to stormy winds through Friday.
Read at www.dw.com
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