In brief
Over the past 24 hours, Ceuta—home to about 83,000 residents—has experienced an unprecedented influx of more than 60,000 Moroccan migrants, prompting dozens of fatalities. Spanish officials reported that 48,000 migrants returned to Morocco voluntarily after crossing. Sarah Rainsford of the BBC examines the possible triggers behind this surge and outlines the next steps for handling the situation.
Over the last 24 hours, the tiny Spanish territory of Ceuta—home to around 83,000 people—has seen an unprecedented surge in migrant arrivals.
An estimated 60,000 people from Morocco are believed to have crossed into the North African enclave that has long been a focal point for migrants attempting to reach Europe.
Dozens of people died while trying to make the crossing.
On Friday evening, Spanish officials confirmed that more than 48,000 of the migrants had voluntarily returned to Morocco.
BBC's Sarah Rainsford explains what may have triggered the surge in crossings and what happens next.
