Record 153,000 migrant arrivals (2)

(ANSA) - Rome, October 24 - 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 2014 which set a year-long record of 170,000 which now looks set to be beaten, the sources said. A further 4,300 migrants rescued in the last couple of days have not yet reached Italy. Migrant departures from Libya towards Italy have surged over the last few months.