The Canary Islands continue to grapple with a relentless influx of migrants as more than £100 million has been allocated to address the crisis. Since the beginning of 2024 until mid-March, more than 15,000 migrants have arrived illegally in Spain.
A staggering 12,400 have disembarked in the Canary Islands alone. This surge has prompted urgent action from the Council of Ministers, resulting in the third extension of the declaration of emergency to cater to their basic needs.
The latest extension, amounting to €116.4 million (£100m), underscores the gravity of the ongoing humanitarian challenge. The funds, proposed by the Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security, and Migration, aim to bolster the reception network and prevent financial strains on the autonomous communities bearing the brunt of migratory pressures.
Since the inception of the emergency declaration last October, a staggering total of €286 million (£245m) has been approved, signalling the scale of the crisis.
Speaking on the matter, a spokesperson from the Ministry highlighted the dire need for immediate action, and said: “This extension is crucial to promptly address the needs of the reception network and mitigate cost overruns in the regions facing the most significant migratory influx.”
The declaration of emergency, initially backed with €33 million (£28m), has seen successive extensions, with each iteration witnessing a substantial increase in allocated funds.
Meanwhile, on the ground, the situation remains critical. Recent reports indicate that migrant arrivals persist, with harrowing tales of perilous journeys across the sea.
In one instance, a vessel carrying 54 migrants, including minors and women, was escorted to the port of La Restinga in El Hierro by Maritime Rescue. Tragically, one migrant required urgent medical attention due to severe hypothermia, underscoring the risks associated with these crossings.
Similarly, another distress call led to the rescue of two individuals found adrift south of Gran Canaria. The timely intervention by Maritime Rescue averted a potential catastrophe, yet it serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by migrants and authorities alike.
Despite concerted efforts, the influx shows no signs of abating, with migrants risking their lives in search of refuge.
