El Hierro declares emergency after more than 3,300 arrivals

El Hierro’s authorities declared an emergency and asked Spain’s national government for assistance after more than 3,300 people arrived by boat on the Canary Islands territory since November began, putting pressure on accommodation and health services. The island’s council president, Alpidio Armas, said officials were seeking temporary accommodation and described conditions at the hospital as undesirable.

El Hierro, home to about 11,400 residents, received the arrivals in roughly 30 boats, according to local authorities. The emergency declaration is intended to establish cooperation with national institutions, Armas said. The reports did not detail what assistance Spain’s government would provide or when.

Fernando Clavijo, president of the Canary Islands regional government, said the situation was unsustainable. Buses had been diverted to migration operations, and medical staff had been brought from other islands, he said. The response reflects pressure on local services as people continue to arrive at El Hierro and other islands in the archipelago.

Spain’s Maritime Rescue Service assisted 854 people from seven boats off El Hierro on Friday, November 6. Those rescued were taken...