Thurs 10th

Today the consequences of yesterday's huge numbers of arriving refugees can be felt in Molyvos.  With insufficient buses there is a growing crowd of hot, tired, hungry and thirsty men, women, children and babies.  Taxi drivers are growing increasingly angry as refugees are constantly asking for transport which is not available to them due to immigration laws.  To add to their frustration, well-meaning volunteers are parking in the taxi rank to off load crates of water, nappies etc.

Many people needed treatment for the most painful-looking blisters which they sustained during the 13km walk from the landing beaches to Molyvos.

This mother couldn't have been more grateful for a clean nappy and new baby grow and a makeshift changing table on the wall.

By 6pm the crowds were huge and people were starting to realise they will have to spend the night on the pavement.  A young man asked for the WC.... At this end of the village there isn't one.  Try a cafe, or go in the bushes is the unsatisfactory answer.

There are moves to set up a bigger, proper camp with toilets etc, to cope with the fluctuating numbers, but this is not yet in place.

Ari explaining situation to new arrivals

weds 9th

A very busy day with about 1500 people arriving from Syria, Iran and Afghanistan.  Again today refugees were able to take free buses to Mytilene.  Women and children and anyone sick had priority, but families are always kept together as we don't want people to be separated from each other.

Our jobs today included sorting clothes into well-labelled suitcases ready to take to beaches where boats land, so that men, women and children can be offered dry change of clothes.  Also checking out and treating sick and injured refugees, helping organise people at the bus stop, driving to the beach area 13km down a dirt road from Molyvos with food, water, dry clothes and emergency blankets and meeting people coming off the boats.

It is heartbreaking to have to tell people that there are no taxis or hotels and maybe they should rest by the side of the road and use life jackets as sleeping mats, and set off walking to village tomorrow.  

people are so grateful for help and they are so relieved to have survived the crossing.  They have been charged extortionate amounts by the traffickers.  Julie chatted to a young man see YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CJUjlKMJaBI

who was charged US 1100 dollars for the crossing.  Another man told us they were hit and shouted at by traffickers as they stepped onto the boat, adding to the ordeal.

Tues 8th September

Another extraordinary day in Molyvos.....

There was a young woman with heat stroke this morning who was treated on a public bench near the harbour by an international team of volunteers.  We also heard about others with broken rib and foot injury.  A number of children have diarrhoea and coughs.  It is difficult for the mothers as it is such an unsanitary environment in which to look after sick children.

We suddenly had news of buses arriving paid for by Molyvos volunteers.  So all at once the camp emptied.  I managed to grab rehydration fluids and a banana for a little one year old before she left.

Quick turn around and clear up, throwing away rubbish, recycling discarded shoes, clothes, piling of blankets, straightening up tarpaulins to make it look a bit more civilised - see pic.

As refugees are keen to move onto the next leg of their journey we do not always have time to respond successfully to all their requests, e.g.  It is very difficult for them indeed as many have US dollars and without ID cannot change money.  I was about to go to bureau de change shop for someone when he had to go to catch bus.  The buses today were very welcome, and we have heard also that today there have been big efforts to speed up registration in Mytilene.  8000 were able to leave island today due to better systems and more ferries!!!  Phew.

We were on "clothes" duty this eve, driving along the coast road to where boats come in basically running a free "jumble sale" in the dark out of back of car, wearing head torches.  It must be so disorientating for the children

Debris of boats and life jackets.

Some make it to overflowing dustbins

Next photo shows proximity of encampment to centre of village.

Children arriving in tent

Day 2 setting up camp

Julie set up an impromptu antenatal clinic for 9 month pregnant woman (see below) in an alleyway behind restaurant.  This allowed privacy in order for her to be able to lift clothes to expose tummy.  She lay on concrete covered with a yoga mat. She was reassured to hear baby's heartbeat and find out that it was head down.  

Later  she was taken to Mytilene.  We heard today though that conditions there are terrible with 15,000 people stuck as the registration processing has stalled and many have been there for up to a week with no real facilities.  The frustration has made the situation volatile and there have been things set on fire in protest about the wait. Not enough ferries are coming to take people to Athens.  Meanwhile refugees cannot be persuaded to remain in Molyvos until things settle down. 

We have been able to respond quickly to requests e.g. Buying water, dustbins, thermometers, etc and clearing up the temporary camp for next influx of boat people.  We set up the tarpaulins we brought with us.

We have met many amazing families and when there is someone who speaks English they willingly translate for others.

People setting off to walk 70kms in 30+ degrees wearing donated hats and t shirts and baby sling.

Arrival

  the news 

Within five minutes of arriving at the airport we spotted an inflatable boat in the distance 

.as it came nearer we realised it was packed with people. The conditions were very calm and everybody arrived safely. A young man kissed the ground and we talked with a few people about their journey.  As we drove towards Mytilene increasing numbers of refugees were walking along the road at 8 o'clock on a Sunday morning ... then the beginnings of encampments.  Some tents dangerously near moving traffic.

 Moments after landing

1

There are many women and children amongst the groups of refugees including toddlers and babies .  One teenage boy explained that his family could not find a taxi as drivers are not allowed to accept money plus no accommodation would take them in. They did not want to stay in molyvos as they were anxious to get to Mytilene in order to get to the mainland. It is a three day walk.  Volunteers are driving along the route to handout food and water. It is heartbreaking to see families and people of all ages having to make this journey in the heat not realising that when they reach Mytilene there will be days of queueing and delays.

Late yesterday afternoon we scoured the shops looking for crates of water to buy as supplies were running low. Even at 8 o'clock in the evening,in the dark, boats were arriving and unloading near the harbour with nothing but a few torches to light their way. Some people have one small rucksack and some people only have the clothes they are wearing. 

Packing

Ariana appeared on Radio and BBC Wales yesterday as part of a piece that was looking at the grass roots response to this crisis in Wales - please see youtube link below for the TV clip.
It is quite a logistical feat figuring out and prioritising our packing.  People have been so generous and we are still receiving parcels as we speak.

We have purchased 500 emergency blankets which were requested yesterday because supplies were running out in Lesvos, so feel we can make an immediate contribution when we arrive.  We are also taking tarpaulins, clothes, medical supplies and maternity supplies.  Friends have set up an appeal in Cardiff to collect clothing and we already have so much that we will start shipping goods out on Monday.

We hear that in Molyvos there are 1000-2000 people arriving per day.  Such huge numbers.... and this is just the beginning of a very long journey for them.  We are not quite sure what to expect, we are going with an open mind.  We will be arriving on the island tomorrow at 6am.
 
Please see our new YouTube channel where we will upload our videos:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCj-5MqTC7RzOzCCIe2bindw 

Thanks for your continued support and interest and please keep spreading the word, sharing on Facebook etc.  Julie & Ariana

Family in Oxford packing boxes of Emergency Blankets  for refugees

Preparing for Lesvos