The president of Ceuta, Juan Jesús Vivas, has told EU lawmakers that up to 5,000 migrants remain in the Spanish enclave, describing a 'humanitarian emergency' with a death toll of at least 100, according to the Guardian.
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Key facts
- Up to 5,000 migrants remain in Ceuta, according to president Juan Jesús Vivas.
- Vivas described a 'humanitarian emergency' and said residents feel 'sad, helpless and anxious'.
- The updated death toll stands at at least 100 people.
- Media reports cited social media calls for another attempt to overwhelm the border on 15 August.
- The European Commission said it was aware of various threats to the EU's external border.
Juan Jesús Vivas, the president of the Spanish enclave of Ceuta, has been briefing EU lawmakers on what he called a ‘humanitarian emergency’, according to the Guardian’s Europe live coverage. He said residents of the city feel ‘sad, helpless and anxious’ as up to 5,000 migrants remain in the city.
Vivas said the updated death toll now lies at least 100 people, underscoring the scale of the crisis facing the enclave.
The situation in Ceuta was raised repeatedly at the European Commission, including questions about last week’s events in the city and media reports of calls circulating on social media for another attempt to overwhelm the border on 15 August.
A Commission spokesperson said the body was aware of various threats to the EU’s external border, adding: ‘that’s why we need to step up our work.’
In the same briefing, the spokesperson also pointed to a solar eclipse next week on the 12th, which will have an impact on energy production. The spokesperson said an operational group dedicated to preparing for the eclipse had been established and was due to meet on Friday to prepare for possible impacts.
The Guardian reported the developments as part of its live coverage of European news, which also touched on wider issues across the continent.
Why it matters
Ceuta sits on the European Union's external border, and the arrival and continued presence of thousands of migrants places strain on a small enclave and raises broader questions about EU border management. Reported calls for a further border attempt point to the risk of renewed pressure in the weeks ahead.
Frequently asked questions
How many migrants remain in Ceuta?
According to president Juan Jesús Vivas, up to 5,000 migrants remain in the city.
What is the death toll?
Vivas said the updated death toll now lies at least 100 people.
Is another border attempt expected?
Media reports cited social media accounts with calls for another attempt to overwhelm the border on 15 August. The European Commission said it was aware of various threats to the EU's external border.
Timeline
- Ceuta residents ‘sad, helpless, anxious’ as up to 5,000 migrants remain in the city, president says – Europe live
The Guardian World: Juan Jesús Vivas has been briefing EU lawmakers on the ‘humanitarian emergency’ and says updated death toll now lies at least 100 people The commission also got repeatedly asked about last week’s events in Ceuta and media reports that social media accounts seen calls for another