Watch: More Than 7,000 Migrants Arrive In Lampedusa, Doubling The Population In 48 Hours
The small Italian island of Lampedusa has witnessed its population double in just 48 hours as more than 7,000 migrants arrived by boat.
Located just 145 kilometres off the coast of Tunisia, Lampedusa is one of the primary points of entry for migrants crossing the Mediterranean.
Lampedusa, with a population of just over 6,000 people, declared a state of emergency after thousands arrived in boats, putting immense pressure on the island.
The island’s migrant centre is designed to process approximately 400 people, but it became overwhelmed due to the surge in numbers.
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On Tuesday alone, around 5,000 people arrived on the island, according to figures provided by the ministry.
Many of the arrivals were seen jumping over the fence to escape and leave the area, leading to increased tension in the crowds.
“Everyone has helped migrants who needed it in their own way, but now it’s time to find a structural solution,” urged Mayor Filippo Mannino.
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