September 10, 2020

Andrew Campbell 

Europe's largest migrant camp, Moria, on Greece's Lesbos island has been ravaged by fires that broke out in early hours on September 9. According to the United Nations Refugee Agency, the Moria migrant camp is home to more than 13,000 refugees, including 4,000 children live in the camp.

Authorities of Greece’s government stated that the fires were caused by Moria camp residents dissatisfied with the new measures form Coronavirus related lockdown. The refugee camp had been imposed with lockdown earlier after 35 residents were tested COVID-19 positive for infection. At the overcrowded site, there is more than 6 times its maximum capacity of 2,200 people living in the Moria camp. Greek authorities believe that the fires were started by Moria camp residents expressing anger and despair with coronavirus-related lockdown measures.

The camp has been under lockdown after 35 people tested positive for COVID-19 earlier this week. At first, some migrants on the evening of September 8 living in the Moria camp were angry about the quarantine measures and started a small fire. Then, the police came and used tear gas to disperse the crowd. But, the fire spread to ruin the entire area. In a televised statement, as the refugee camp has been completely burned down, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis declared a state of emergency on the Lesbos island, and also condemned the rioters who deliberately ignited the fires.

Greece's Minister for Migration Notis Mitarachi, who flew to Lesbos with the country’s Interior Minister and the head of the public health organization, stated that a new facility that is safer and gives more humane conditions and offers the appropriate capacity is needed. Mitarachi said those left homeless by the blaze will be housed temporarily in tents flown to the Lesbos island, aboard a ferry, and two navy ships.

Photo:Webshot.