In the north of Romania, in the municipality of Sighetu Marmației, the Tisza River serves as a natural border with Ukraine. Both countries are joined by a bridge that crosses the stream and that, since the invasion began, they have crossed on average 2,000 people daily: mostly families with children fleeing the horrors of war.
The fact that most of the citizens who use the bridge are women and children has inspired the NGOs deployed in the place that, in coordination with the Border Police and local authorities, fill the bridge with toys and stuffed animals. A way to welcome and make the little ones smile, since most of them do not understand the seriousness of what is happening around them.
The children have the opportunity to choose a travel companion for their stay in Romania and until they can return, if they can, to their homes. Most head west led by volunteers in tents on the Romanian side. There, families receive SIM cards, food, temporary accommodation and information on trains and buses leaving the border city: most go to Bucharest, the capital, or to other countries such as Hungary or Slovakia.
According to some volunteers providing humanitarian aid, some young men of military age have also fled Ukraine through the pass. Some have dared to cross the icy waters. Others, paying up to 15,000 euros to flee.
According to the Territorial Border Police of the region, this border crossing is the second busiest in the country. Romania has already welcomed half a million people.
Source: Lasexta
Mario Twitchell is an accomplished author and journalist, known for his insightful and thought-provoking writing on a wide range of topics including general and opinion. He currently works as a writer at 247 news agency, where he has established himself as a respected voice in the industry.
