Calais, France: Migrants began arriving early on Monday at official meeting points set by French authorities as part of the full evacuation of the Calais “Jungle” camp, according to an AFP journalist at the scene.
Men and women carrying suitcases and bundles of possessions gathered in front of a warehouse that is serving as the main headquarters of the operation in which some 6,000 to 8,000 migrants will be moved to reception centres across the country.
Some 145 buses will be deployed over the course of the three-day move.
The demolition of the Jungle aims to close a difficult chapter in Europe’s migrant crisis. The camp has strained relations between France and Britain and caused tensions with locals in Calais.
A few sporadic clashes had broken out on Sunday evening between migrants and police, who fired tear gas. Such incidents have been a regular occurrence in recent months.
