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Liberal_in_LA

(44,397 posts)
Mon Oct 5, 2015, 01:20 AM Oct 2015

Migrant crisis debris: Greek island battles lifejacket mountain

http://news.yahoo.com/lightbox/municipality-employee-walks-past-pile-lifejackets-discarded-migrants-photo-034405948.html
http://l.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/DwH9DH9gNIBRgM79dnnvuA--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3NfbGVnbztmaT1maWxsO2g9MzE5O2lsPXBsYW5lO3B5b2ZmPTA7cT03NTt3PTQ4MA--/

http://l3.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/9AXzGK0I998tZaMihhlAnA--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3NfbGVnbztmaT1maWxsO2g9MzE5O2lsPXBsYW5lO3B5b2ZmPTA7cT03NTt3PTQ4MA--/


But the continent's biggest migration challenge since World War II is now presenting an unexpected environmental headache: what to do with the vast heaps of lifejackets and inflatable boats left behind by the arrivals?

On the beach of Skala Sikaminias on Lesbos' northern coast, a key landing point for migrants, a group of municipal employees are loading discarded jackets and dinghies on a truck.

"We've barely finished when it's time to start all over again," sighs Yiorgos Katsanos, the deputy mayor in charge of waste management.

The city has mobilised 12 additional staff to handle the overload and sends two trucks and a crane to clear the beaches every day.

____

"If only they actually saved lives. But no, they're junk" hastily made in Turkey or cheaply ordered from China, the deputy mayor adds.

http://news.yahoo.com/migrant-crisis-debris-greek-island-battles-lifejacket-mountain-034405078.html
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