The number of migrants reaching Spain’s Canary Islands from west Africa this year has reached nearly 32,000, surpassing the previous record set in 2006, according to regional authorities. The figure of 31,933 migrants who have arrived on the islands so far this year exceeds the 2006 crisis when 31,678 people made it to the Canaries, regional authorities told Reuters.
Over the past few days, 739 people have been rescued in the Atlantic Ocean off El Hierro, the smallest and westernmost island in the archipelago, as reported by the Spanish coastguard. Tragically, two people were found dead in four boats, and two others passed away later in hospital. The Spanish Civil Guard, which participated in the rescue operation, revealed that women and children were among those saved.
Fernando Clavijo, the regional leader of the Canary Islands, highlighted the scale of the humanitarian crisis faced by the islands and called for greater assistance from the Spanish government and the European Union. In a post on the X social media site on Saturday, he stated, “The 2006 data have been surpassed but the response of the State and EU is not the same. Migration management on the southern border must be a priority on the Spanish and European agenda.”
The recent increase in arrivals can be attributed to milder weather and calmer seas since September, making the perilous crossing from Africa more feasible. The archipelago is situated approximately 100 km (60 miles) off the west coast of Africa, and its seven islands have become the primary destination for migrants from Senegal and other African nations who are attempting to reach Spain in search of a better life or escaping conflicts.
The Spanish government, on its part, has announced plans to establish extra emergency accommodation for around 3,000 migrants in military barracks, hotels, and hostels.
(Reporting by Graham Keeley; Editing by Giles Elgood)
