Germany and Switzerland are sending humanitarian aid to homeless refugees on the island of Lesvos after the fire burned down the Moria camp that hosted over 12,000 people.
Humanitarian aid weighing 1.2 tons is expected to arrive in Greece from Switzerland on Friday afternoon in order to be distributed to the refugees of Moria.
Citing sources from the Ministry of Migration and Asylum, Greek media report that the aircraft will land at Elefsina airport in Attica around 5 p.m.. The assistance will be received by the Deputy Minister, George Koumoutsakos, and the Swiss Ambassador to Greece.
The aid includes blankets and personal hygiene items. A specialist from Switzerland will travel to assist in the distribution of the material. A second mission, expected later in the week, will also provide tents and tents.
Within the next two days, a truck with humanitarian aid is expected to reach Greece from Germany.
The truck will arrive at the port of Piraeus and then travel to Lesvos by ferry.
The humanitarian aid sent by the German government includes awnings, beds, sleeping bags and mattresses.
EU Commissioner for Home Affairs, Ylva Johansson, said late on Thursday that many countries have contacted her to offer humanitarian aid to Greece.
She reportedly said that she contacted Migration Minister Notis Mitarakis who assured her that the “EU Emergency Aid Mechanism does not need to be activated as the country has enough tents and other supplies.” Johansson added that th eEU mechnism can still be activated.
Today I discuss #Moria in the @Europarl_EN
It is essential that our approach prioritises the human beings who are suffering right now.
For the most effective, immediate and practical response, we need pragmatic voices and coordinated action. #solidarity https://t.co/9Psws5iqOJ https://t.co/Pxfx7ILfq7— Ylva Johansson (@YlvaJohansson) September 10, 2020
Meanwhile on Lesvos, refugees and asylum-seekers, spent another night on the streets as the government struggles to provide them with shelter but face the hostility of a part of local residents.
Improvised lodgings created by #MoriaCamp homeless. No open store in the area sells them even a bottle of water. I was waved away when I tried to enter. The rest are simply “refused to serve”. What’s that unique Greek word we’re so proud of again? “Filotimo”? pic.twitter.com/cPXDiU1mC9
— Giorgos Christides (@g_christides) September 11, 2020
The Greek Army is setting up a provisional camp at a state property near Kara Tepe refugee camp.
Πρόχειρος καταυλισμός στήνεται σήμερα στο πεδίο βολής του #Καρά_Τεπέ στη Λέσβο
📷 ΑΠΕ-ΜΠΕ/ ΟΡΕΣΤΗΣ ΠΑΝΑΓΙΩΤΟΥ#Λέσβος #Μόρια #Moria #MoriaCamp #refugeesgr #Refugees pic.twitter.com/ChNZcCVrAo
— ΑΠΕ-ΜΠΕ (@amna_news) September 11, 2020
Thousands of migrants and refugees were still without shelter for a third day on Friday, following the successive fires at the Moria Reception and Identification Centre.
They had camped out on the road leading from the entrance of Mytilene to the burned Moria hotspot, occupying the roadway, surrounding fields and the yards of businesses that have remain closed since Wednesday.
Food and water is being offered under very difficult conditions.
About 10 catering vans in #Mytilini ground zero. Food supply scheduled for 14.30. migrants already creating lines while tension rises over access to food. #MoriaCamp #moriafire #greece #Lesvos pic.twitter.com/s7b9fKvvnL
— Tony Rigopoulos (@tony_rgps) September 11, 2020
Three National Public Health Organisation staffed vehicles are reportedly offering services to the migrants and refugees.
Rapid tests for coronavirus are expected to arrive at Mytilene airport in the afternoon in order to start the process of protecting the community’s health.
According to Skai TV, The Netherlands is sending also rapid tests for the refugees.
Meanwhile, thousands launched a protest short after 2 pm Friday reportedly shouting that they want to leave the island.
More information on the latest developments in Moria here.
