OR Crete experiences unprecedented moments as the wave of arrivals It takes on crisis dimensions. Only on Sunday (14/09) 303 people were selected by four boats found open on Gavdouwith the port being on a constant alarm.
Little Gavdos, the southernmost tip of Europe, looks like a “island in a siege”. Beaches such as Tripiti, Karev and head filled with people, with Mayor Lilian Stefanakis describing images of landing. In the crown, shopkeepers have closed their businesses, as concentrated immigrants go beyond the potential of the country, while supplies are diminishing dangerously.
In Chania, the hospitality area in Agia has exceeded its limits. Doctors and volunteers are leaving exhausted, with deputy mayor Eleni Zervoudakis warning of serious health issues and referring to “cry of help”.
Within three days, Crete has received over 550 immigrants. The Port and Frontex are operating daily, and arrests of traffickers in Gavdos and Agia Galini have been made. However, circuits still send people on dangerous routes.
The island is being tested: Gavdos is unable to meet the needs of hundreds of arriving, and Chania see their infrastructure kneeling within 24 hours. Among desperate immigrants, exhausted residents and authorities on a constant alert, Crete lives a reality that seems endlessly.