Asylum groups warn of ‘catastrophic situation’ in northern France

In previous winters local officials have provided emergency shelter for families and lone children. But this winter, many have been forced to sleep in the open air. Photograph: Sameer Al-Doumy/AFP/Getty Images

Twelve organisations working with asylum seekers in northern France have warned French government officials of a “catastrophic situation” as large numbers of people try to survive in insanitary conditions while they wait for a change in the weather so they can try to cross the Channel to the UK.

The warning is contained in a letter to French government officials signed by NGOs including L’Auberge des Migrants, Calais Food Collective, Médecins du Monde Nord Littoral, Utopia 56 and Le Secours Catholique délégation du Pas de Calais.