The number of migrants leaving west Africa and reaching Spain's Canary Islands, nearly 60 miles from the west coast of Morocco, has passed record levels set in 2006.
Nearly 32,000 West African migrants in search of a better life have reached the Spanish Canary Islands on boats this year, which is hundreds more than the record numbers recorded in 2006, according to authorities. Reuters reported that regional authorities said 31,678 migrants made it to the islands – located nearly 60 miles off the west coast of southern Morocco – on small boats in 2006, but so far this year, 31,933 migrants have successfully made the voyage.
Of the migrants rescued, two were dead, and two others died in a hospital, the Spanish Civil Guard said. Among those rescued included women and children. Canary Islands Regional Chief Fernando Clavijo told Reuters the numbers point to a larger scale humanitarian crisis faced by the islands, which he has called on the Spanish government and European Union to help out with.
In response to the crisis, the Spanish government has said it will create more emergency accommodations for about 3,000 migrants in military barracks, hotels and hostels. Reuters contributed to this report.
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