GAVDOS, Greece — A total of 578 migrants arrived on the island of Gavdos in less than 24 hours aboard nine boats from Libya, bringing the number of people housed in the Chania region to 1,139.
Local authorities have launched efforts to transfer a significant portion of the group to closed reception centers on the mainland, Greek radio reports.
The Migration Ministry is coordinating the gradual relocation of detainees beginning Monday to ease overcrowding at the Agyia facility.
An emergency meeting involving relevant ministries is scheduled to take place in Athens.
Due to adverse weather, ferry service between Gavdos and Paleochora has been suspended. Authorities are preparing to use the Gavdos–Sfakia route for transfers, pending the availability of buses to move migrants to Agyia.