Migration ministry on flooding at Kara Tepe asylum-seeker camp on Lesvos

Migration and Asylum Minister Notis Mitarachi on Friday referred to the problems caused by Thursday's downpour at the new hosting facility for refugees and migrants at Kara Tepe in Mytilene.

As he noted, "yesterday's heavy and prolonged rain for many hours was the reason for:

The accumulation of stagnant water in three out of a total of 15 demarcated areas of the facility as well as the flooding of 80 of the 1,100 tents that exist, today, within it."

"Obviously a temporary structure that was built in a few days will face problems. Problems, however, which are being immediately addressed," he added.

According to circles at the ministry of migration and asylum, "the services of the ministry operating in the field, in collaboration with civil society volunteers, have already proceeded to:

Transfer the residents of the flooded tents to other areas.

Restore or remove the approximately 80 tents that were affected, as 2,500 residents have already left the temporary structure and an additional 1,300 will leave for relocation abroad.

Distribute waterproof covers in order to protect the roofs of the tents.

Indicate the locations where drainage works will be focused.