Authorities began evacuating the population at night, but many migrants fled to the surrounding forests or headed for Mytilene, the island’s capital. There are currently 12,600 migrants living in the camp with a capacity of 2,800 places. “Goodbye Moria,” the refugees shout, and others sing happily as they watch the fire destroy the camp.
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“Tensions have now exploded,” said Stratos Kytelis, mayor of Mytilene. The locals tried to prevent the refugees who set out for the island’s capital.
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“There are thousands of people and no one knows where they should be accommodated. It is an enormous burden for the locals, “says Stratos Kytelis. It is not yet clear what is causing the fire. It is possible that it was founded by the migrants themselves, but it could also be set on fire by the locals. The Greek government has declared a state of emergency on the island.
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According to the head of the local fire brigade, 99 percent of the camp burned down and the fire is still going on. The local Lesvospost server states that 3,000 tents, thousands of residential containers, administrative buildings in the camp and a local clinic burned down.
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In recent days, tensions have prevailed in Moria over the quarantine ordered. Recent reports indicate 35 cases of coronavirus infection.
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