As many as 153,450 migrants have
reached Italy so far this year due to a recent surge, pushing
the number 10% higher than it was at the same stage last year,
sources said Monday.
It is also 1,300 higher than at this time in 2014, which
went on to set a year-long record of 170,000 which now looks set
to be beaten, the sources said.
A further 4,300 migrants and refugees rescued in the last
couple of days have not yet reached Italy.
In the last three days, rescuers say, more than 12,000
asylum seekers have been rescued in the Strait of Sicily,
indicating an increase projected to take the year-end total
above 170,000.
Migrant departures from Libya towards Italy have surged
over the last few months.
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