Greece overwhelmed by more than 25,000 stranded refugees and immigrants

FYROM opened the border on Sunday at 21:00 and let only 300 refugees to enter, while 7,000 people are waiting at the camp at Idomeni

The situation in Greece seems to be out of control since thousands of refugees and immigrants continue arriving , but without being able to pass the borders and head to the other European countries. It is estimated that the trapped refugees and immigrants reach 25,000.

FYROM has essentially closed its border with Greece since on Sunday they opened the buffer zone at 21:00 and let only 300 refugees to enter, while about 7,000 people are waiting at the camp at Idomeni.

The borders closed at 4am and no one knows when they will reopen and how many people authorities will allow to pass through. The number of refugees in the camp continues to rise, since refugees and immigrants from all over the country reach Idomeni by any means, buses, taxis, and even on foot, with the hope to be able to leave Greece.

On Monday morning, 1,810 people arrived at Piraeus port while it is estimated that about 4,000 are staying in the warehouses and in the area of port. Moreover, the refugee centers in Athens are fully packed and settlements have been set at the center of Athens, at parks and squares.

A similar chaotic situation prevails along the Athens – Thessaloniki highway where temporary settlements have been set in every city, outdoor spaces and even parking lots. Thousands of people exhausted by the long journey carrying their sick children are either forced to sleep outdoors or start walking to Idomeni so as to pass the borders.