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- The Greek refugee camp on Lesbos was almost completely destroyed in the fire on Wednesday night. The government talks about arson.
- Firefighters controlled the fire and residents were evacuated.
- Initially, there was no information on injuries or even deaths.
By early morning, most of Moria’s camp was burning
Transformed mass of burned containers and tents. The fire in the overcrowded migrant camp broke out shortly after midnight. Strong winds, some of which reached 70 km / h, fanned the flames.
After the fire broke out, residents of the camp threw stones at the firefighters and tried to prevent them from doing the extinguishing work, the operations manager reported on television. Special units of the riot police were in action.
The fires reportedly broke out at various locations in the camp. There is talk of arson from various sectors: the inhabitants of the island of Lesbos are responsible. Others claim that the camp inmates started the fires. The government is now also talking about arson.
At least 25 firefighters with 10 vehicles, supported by the police, battled the flames. The island’s emergency services have been fighting a large forest fire about 25 kilometers northwest of Moria since Tuesday night.
Crisis meeting in Athens
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has called an emergency meeting for the morning. In addition to the ministers of migration and civil protection, the head of the Greek intelligence service (EYP) and the head of the cabinet should also participate.
EU Home Affairs Commissioner Ylva Johansson has promised quick help. She is in contact with the Greek minister and the authorities, writes the Swede on Twitter. She wants to finance the transfer and accommodation of the 400 unaccompanied children and youth who remain on the continent. “The safety and security of everyone in Moria is a priority.”
Crown boxes in warehouse
This was preceded by riots among the migrants. They rebel against the crown lock. Last week, the warehouse was quarantined after a corona case. On Tuesday it was announced that the number of infected people was 35.
The UN refugee agency, UNHCR, warns of conflicts between refugees and residents of Lesbos. Work is underway on a temporary solution to house people in the camp, the UN organization announced in Geneva. Former residents of Moria are asked to stay close. Everyone involved must show restraint.
UNHCR offered help to the Greek authorities and activated its local staff, he said. Meanwhile, the German Federal Ministry of the Interior has offered its help. They are in intense talks with the Greek government.
Desperately overcrowded camp
Many of the more than 12,000 migrants and refugees who last lived in the camp fled to the surrounding forests and hills, while others made their way to the island’s capital, Mytilini, according to Greek media.
The Moria refugee camp has been desperately overcrowded for years; According to the Greek Migration Ministry, around 12,600 refugees and migrants have been living there recently, with a capacity of just 2,800 places.
