Island of Spain goes into emergency after receiving thousands of migrants in a few days

Authorities on the Spanish island of El Hierro, in the Canary archipelago, requested help from the regional and national governments this Saturday (7) after declaring an emergency situation following the arrival of thousands of migrants in recent days.

In recent weeks, thousands of migrants have arrived in the archipelago located off the coast of West Africa, one of the main entry points for immigration towards the European Union.

Many disembarked in El Hierro, where more than 3,300 people have arrived since the beginning of November on around 30 boats, according to the local government.

"We are very worried (...) about this large number of arrivals," Alpidio Armas, president of the island council (cabildo) of the island, which has almost 12 thousand inhabitants, told TVE, Spain's public broadcaster.

"It was precisely this that led us to declare the emergency, creating a collaboration structure with higher authorities", he added.

On Friday night (6), the local government declared a "social emergency" on the island and asked the regional and national governments for more resources to deal with the increase in the migration flow.

Authorities are looking for places to temporarily shelter these people, Armas explained. According to him, the situation at the island's hospital is "undesirable".

Spain's Minister of Territorial Policy, Ángel Víctor Torres, announced the call for a meeting for next Tuesday (10), with the participation of local authorities, to discuss the migratory situation in the Canaries and, in particular, in El Hierro.

This time of year tends to see an increase in arrivals to the Canaries due to sailing conditions.

However, a storm predicted for Saturday night could make it difficult for migrants at sea to cross, local authorities warned.

Earlier this week, two migrants were found dead on a boat heading to the Canaries. According to survivors, five other people died during the trip.

Also this Saturday, the Senegalese gendarmerie announced the interception of a vessel with 142 migrants on board that was trying to reach Spain.

Among them were around 20 women, two minors and two babies.

The Canary Islands, as well as Italy and Greece, are among the main entry points for migrants fleeing poverty, conflict and persecution.

The long crossing from West Africa is considered extremely dangerous due to strong sea currents and the precarious condition of many vessels.

After ending 2024 with more than 46 thousand arrivals, increased inspection and expanded cooperation with countries of origin and transit helped to reduce the migration flow to the Canaries.

Between January and October, 13,327 irregular migrants arrived in the archipelago, a drop of 5.5% compared to the same period in 2025, according to the Spanish Ministry of the Interior.