"Yet again the islands of the North East Aegean are sinking due to illegal immigrants and, because of their excessive numbers stuck there, revolts and protesting is ongoing," said New Democracy in a media statement."At the same time, our 'competent' government is sinking in the quagmire of their inability and inaptness to handle the decongestion process on the islands while the local community, which continues with constant pleas of anxiety towards the state, calling on it to guarantee - albeit elementarily - a sense of security for its citizens and the consolidation of public order." "The government needs to realize that as it does not proceed with speeding up the examination process of asylum applications and thus delays the return of illegal immigrants to Turkey, both problems will continue." The head of the Moria camp, Giannis Balapakakis, told reporters: "Thankfully there were no injuries; the hotspot was evacuated in a timely manner while priority was given to families, unaccompanied women and minors - a total of about 600 people." 

In related developments, Lesvos and Chios were boosted by the news on Monday that they are to receive an aid package of €6.48 million to help improve reception conditions for refugees and migrants stranded there.The two Eastern Aegean islands have borne the brunt of the influx of refugees crossing into Europe from Turkey since the migrant crisis began in 2015.And the European Commission has announced a significant new aid package to help the authorities cope with the ongoing problems and backlog of asylum-seeking refugees stranded at various camps on both of the islands.