Thousands evacuated in Greek city of Thessaloniki as WWII bomb defused

Greek Army officers conduct preparation work before they excavate an unexploded World War II bomb. Photo / AP

Thousands of Greeks have evacuated their homes in the second-biggest city of Thessaloniki to allow experts to defuse a World War Two bomb.

The 250kg bomb was discovered about 5m below ground during excavation works at a petrol station last week.

Up to 72,000 residents living within a 2km radius of the bomb site were asked to leave their homes on Sunday in one of the country's biggest peacetime evacuations.

Buses were taking them to local gyms, stadiums and cafes, police said.

Refugees and migrants living in a camp in a nearby abandoned factory would also be evacuated on Sunday and taken on a museum visit in Thessaloniki, the migration ministry said.

Military experts will attempt to defuse the bomb on the spot.

"We are absolutely ready," Regional Governor Apostolos Tzitzikostas told Greek TV before the operation began.

"I call on our fellow citizens to stay calm. There is no reason to panic, there is no danger, the measures taken are precautionary and for the safety of residents."

The complex operation was expected to last "at most six hours," Tzitzikostas said.