Humanitarian crisis at Heraklion port as migrant arrivals surge in Crete

A critical situation has developed at the port of Heraklion in Crete, where 835 migrants and refugees are currently living in dire conditions. Following a period of heavy rainfall on November 2, more than 200 of these individuals were left exposed to the elements due to the overcrowding of the former "Psygio" (cold storage) building. This surge is part of a broader trend, with authorities reporting 23,266 arrivals across 494 separate incidents in Crete since the beginning of 2026, marking an increase compared to the previous year.

The Ministry of Migration and Asylum is accelerating efforts to establish a temporary accommodation facility at the former Skouloudi warehouses in the Athanatoi area. Reports indicate that a large tent has been erected to shield ongoing construction activities from public view, as the ministry aims to open the site rapidly without prior formal announcements. Local authorities and relevant entities are awaiting the operational status of this new facility, which is intended to alleviate the current congestion at the port while officials coordinate the transfer of individuals to organized structures outside of Crete.