Record High 218,394 People Crossed The Mediterranean To Europe In October This Year Compared To 219,000 Arrivals In 2014, According To The U.N.
A record high of 218,394 people crossed the Mediterranean Sea to Europe in October alone this year compared to 219,000 arrivals in the whole of 2014, according to figures revealed by the United Nations.
The Guardian reported Monday that over 744,000 people have journeyed to Europe this year after the figures skyrocketed in October.
Reports have revealed that more than 3,000 people have died or gone missing after crossing the sea to reach Europe. The latest tragedy that took place Sunday involved 15 people, including six children, drowning off Greece.
Further reports have revealed that more than half of this number come from Syria, while 18 percent and 6 percent are from Afghanistan and Iraq respectively.
Meanwhile, spokesman of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) said "last month was a record month for arrivals."
"That makes it the highest total for any month to date and roughly the same as the entire total for 2014," UNCHR spokesman Adrian Edwards says, as noted by International Business Times Monday.
The increasing number of people crossing the Mediterranean Sea to Europe has compelled some countries to blame Germany of reportedly persuading people to go through the journey due to the country's "open door" procedure on immigrants.
According to reports, Germany is expecting the arrival of 800,000 refugees this year. Reportedly, the increasing number of people seeking for resettlement is not new in the country.
In addition, coalition party leaders are expected to gather on November 5 to talk about the situation of the refugees while crossing the sea to Europe.
"The three leaders of the coalition parties held constructive talks on all aspects of the refugee situation and will gather again on Thursday ahead of a conference of German state leaders," says Steffen Seibert, spokesman of Chancellor Angela Merkel.
Seibert goes on, "They agree on several points, as well as on several points that still need to be resolved including the issue of "transit zones.""
