Greece: Doctors of the World helping those affected by fire in Moria camp

Doctors of the World is responding on the Greek island of Lesvos after a large fire at Moria refugee camp overnight.

Shelters and health facilities in Moria – Greece’s largest refugee camp – were destroyed in the blaze.

More than 12,000 men, women and children are now homeless and in dire need of humanitarian assistance, while 37 people with confirmed COVID-19 are missing.

Doctors of the World runs healthcare programmes at Kara Tepe camp, the overflow site for Moria on Lesvos. Our field coordinator on Lesvos, Constantinos Petradellis, said:

“Our team is outside Moria camp right now, assessing the damage in collaboration with the camp’s manager and the fire department. Our fears and anxiety for any victims are growing.

“Starting from Moria to Epano Skala (at the entrance of the capital Mytilene), people are sitting by the side of the road with the few belongings they could carry, once again fleeing for their safety.

“COVID-19 complicates things as it poses an additional challenge for health management. So far, the 37 confirmed cases of COVID-19 that lived in Moria are still missing.”

Doctors of the World’s mobile medical unit is currently outside the centre of Moria and our team of 22 medical and project staff is assisting with efforts to identify potential victims and assess the needs of those displaced by the fire.

In Athens, our staff are preparing an emergency shipment of medicines, medical consumables and non-food items, such as tents, sleeping bags, COVID-19 protective equipment and hygiene kits. They’re also planning a more holistic response.

We have launched an emergency appeal for those affected by the fire in Moria camp. If you can, please donate today.