FIRE DESTROYS EUROPE LARGEST MIGRANT CAMP 2020 SEP 8 IN LESBOS GREECE φωτιά στρα.mp4

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FIRE DESTROYS EUROPE LARGEST MIGRANT CAMP 2020 SEP 8 IN LESBOS GREECE φωτιά στρατόπεδων μεταναστών
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Rising Robo
Published on 9 Sep 2020
Athens, Greece (CNN)Europe's largest migrant camp, Moria, has been devastated by massive fires that broke out early Wednesday at the overcrowded site on Greece's Lesbos island.

Greek authorities believe that the fires were started by Moria camp residents expressing "dissatisfaction" with coronavirus-related lockdown measures. The camp has been under lockdown after 35 people tested positive for Covid-19 earlier this week.

The refugee camp is home to an estimated 13,000 people, more than six times its maximum capacity of 2,200 people. More than 4,000 children, including 407 unaccompanied minors, live in the camp, according to the United Nations Refugee Agency.

In a televised statement, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis declared a state of emergency on the island, condemning the rioters who started the fires.

"I recognize the difficult conditions. However, nothing can become an alibi for violent reactions to health checks. And, much more, for riots of this magnitude," said Mitsotakis. "The situation in Moria cannot continue because it is a matter of public health, humanity and national security at the same time."

There are no reports of injuries, but George Moutafis, a photographer on the ground, told Greek TV channel Mega the camp had been "completely destroyed."