A massive fire has devastated the Moria refugee camp, on the Greek island of Lesvos, which we have sought to assist in recent years. Described by the BBC as the ‘the worst refugee camp on earth’, it is a facility designed to hold just over 2,000 residents but has been housing many times that number of late.
Two of our directors visited the camp in recent years, because we have been sending aid to it on a regular basis, particularly through our Global Hand service. We also undertook a special solar lights project to help combat the fact that, under the cover of darkness, violence, abuse and other atrocities too often happened at night.
The camp did not have electricity and, during our directors’ visit, they saw open fires used for cooking in the vastly overcrowded areas. The scenario seemed to them like a tinder box, where fire could easily cause havoc and tragedy.
In early September, 2020, a fire did, indeed, rip through the camp, overwhelming it. At least 13,000 people are now homeless. “’Knowing the limitations placed upon them on the island, we can’t imagine where the people have fled to,” said Director, Sally Begbie.
We have trusted partners on the ground who are rushing aid to help. If you would like to donate, please click the link below and in the ‘what for’ box, write ‘Lesvos’. Our thanks to you all for any help you feel able to give.
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