UN urges immediate action on flooding, hazards at Lesbos migrant camp

The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) has reiterated its call that urgent action must be taken for new emergency shelter for migrants on the Greek island of Lesbos.

“UNHCR and other humanitarian partners have alerted the Greek authorities to safety hazards and risks in the emergency site, requiring their immediate action.

“ UNHCR spokesperson Shabia Mantoo told a news conference in Geneva on Friday”.

As of Thursday, nearly 7,800 people moved into provisional accommodation near Kara Tepe, which was organised after a fire destroyed the notoriously overcrowded Moria camp on Lesbos.

“There are critical gaps in drainage, water, sanitation, hygiene and health services that need to be addressed without any delay,’’ Mantoo said.

Heavy rains flooded tents this week, she said, pointing out that the area is prone to flooding.

The shelter, built by the Greek army and aid organisations, is insufficient to protect migrants during the cold season, Mantoo said.

However, UNHCR welcomed the fact that Greece moved refugees and vulnerable asylum seekers from Lesbos and other overcrowded islands to the mainland in October.

Besides Italy and Spain, Greece is one of the main destinations for migrants crossing the Mediterranean to reach Europe.

Nearly 9,000 migrants have reached Greece by sea so far this year, and 2,000 by land, according to the International Organisation for Migration (IOM).