A 50-day-old refugee infant, abandoned on a mountain for three days, has been dramatically rescued on the Greek island of Tilos, a moment captured in a poignant video shared by Mayor Maria Kamma.
The footage shows the desperate situation the baby was in, with its parents resorting to mixing seawater with its milk for survival.
It also documents the subsequent rescue operation that brought the infant to safety, highlighting the critical condition the baby was in upon rescue. This serves as a stark reminder of the perilous journeys undertaken by refugees seeking safety in Europe.
Mayor Kamma's Facebook post accompanying the video praised the island's community for their unwavering dedication to saving lives amid the ongoing refugee crisis.
She emphasized that no lives have been lost under their watch, a testament to their resilience and compassion despite the immense challenges posed by the constant influx of refugees.
The video, which quickly went viral on social media, serves as a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the compassion shown by the people of Tilos.
It also underscores the dire circumstances faced by countless refugees, including pregnant women, infants, and children, who often find themselves stranded in dangerous areas.
Ms. Kamma commended the tireless efforts of the small team of coast guards, police officers, and soldiers stationed on Tilos, who have gone above and beyond their duties to ensure that no human life is lost.
She also expressed her deep gratitude to the volunteers and municipal workers who tirelessly assist in these rescue efforts, highlighting the profound power of human solidarity in the face of such a crisis.
The story of baby Jonah, symbolically named after a local legend of a shipwrecked monk, serves as a stark reminder of the humanitarian crisis unfolding in the Aegean, say humanitarian groups .
It is a call for greater international cooperation and support to address the root causes of displacement and provide safe passage for those seeking refuge.