The European Union has pledged immediate financial support for refugees who have been left stranded after a fire destroyed the largest refugee camp in Greece.

More than 12,000 people were forced to flee the blaze, which burnt down the majority of the Moria camp – which was overcrowded and originally intended to house just 2,800 people.

The fire broke out only hours after 35 people tested positive for COVID-19. The camp has been under lockdown for months in an attempt to prevent the spread of the virus.

EU Home Affairs Commissioner Ylva Johansson said she had "already agreed to finance the immediate transfer and accommodation on the mainland of the remaining 400 unaccompanied children and teenagers" who had been living in the camp.

German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas has also vowed to help. "In cooperation with the EU Commission and other EU member states willing to help, we need to sort out as quickly as possible how we can support Greece," he said. 

Dutch Development Cooperation Minister Sigrid Kaag pledged $1.1 million in emergency aid for Greece to help the country provide accommodation, housing and care for migrants. 

"We are in solidarity with the refugees and migrants and with the Greeks," Kaag said.

There have been no recorded fatalities, but several people suffered minor injuries caused by the smoke.

AFP reported that residents of the camp attempted to escape to the neighboring port town of Mytilene on the island of Lesbos but were stopped by police vehicles.

Stelios Petsas, a government spokesman, said officials now face a "titanic" task to find shelter for the thousands left homeless by the blaze. 

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Sources: AP | Video editing: David Bamford