More than 13,000 desperate refugees and immigrants waiting in Idomeni

Everyday ill infants and children are admitted to the nearby hospital

The situation at Greece-FYROM border in Idomeni is dramatic with thousands of refugees and immigrants waiting, while the rainfalls and drop of temperature make things worse.

The refugees were trying to protect themselves from Monday’s night rainstorm making furrows around their tents, while some who have not even a tent, including families with small children, were forced to sleep on the icy and wet ground.

The living conditions in the camp of Idomeni is difficult and yesterday’s heavy rainfall made things worse. Everyday ill infants and children are admitted to the nearby hospital. On Monday an infant with severe jaundice and a 12-year-old boy were hospitalized. The boy was electrocuted while playing at the railway station and had extensive burns on his body. A pregnant woman was also transferred to Polykastro hospital to give birth to her second son.

Hundreds of people continue to arrive every day, but only 150 refugees from Syria and Iraq were allowed to cross the border, since FYROM authorities accept only a limited number of people every day. The rest of them remain trapped in Greece staying in a refugee camp of more 13,000 people, while the camp can host only 1,500 people.

“There is confusion, anxiety, lack of information and a feeling of anger which keeps on growing. Many refugees are waiting for more than ten days. People are terribly exhausted,” said Daniela, a nurse of Medecins Sans Frontiere in Idomeni.