Overview
- The evacuation began around 6:30 a.m. in the Virval area of south Calais at a site made of tents, pallets and makeshift wooden shelters.
- A significant police deployment set a security perimeter as ten buses were arranged to transport people to reception sites.
- Prefect François-Xavier Lauch said smugglers operate at such gathering points and argued action there is needed to prevent human tragedies.
- Authorities reported the site was reduced by about half following the clearance operation.
- Local group Human Rights Observers said many at the camp had recently arrived after being expelled from other locations in Calais.