67 dead, stores closed, 80,000 residents of Spanish Ceuta confined to their homes

Reports said at least 48,000 people have already crossed back to Morocco, though the border is still not under control.

While at least 67 people have died after nearly 60,000 people crossed into the Spanish territory of Ceuta from Morocco, stores in Ceuta remained closed and 80,000 residents are confined to their homes as authorities battle the humanitarian crisis.

Ceuta is an autonomous city of Spain sitting on the North African coast and lies between the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean making it the first port of landing for persons crossing from Morocco to Spain.

Reports said at least 48,000 people have already crossed back to Morocco, though the border is still not under control.

Meanwhile, Spain’s Guardia Civil and Maritime Rescue said autopsies will be conducted to determine the cause of death in the record cross-border migration from Morocco to Spain.

Morocco is across the Strait of Gibraltar. At least 48,000 people have already crossed back to Morocco, authorities said, though the border is still not under control.

Juan Jesús Vivas, the president of Ceuta, told Spanish media that the government was late to react. The Spanish government has said diplomatic relations between Spain and Morocco remain “excellent.”

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said the government was “fully committed to providing an immediate response to the situation in Ceuta. We are mobilizing all necessary resources, working with Moroccan and international authorities, and preparing the measures needed to restore normality as soon as possible,” Sánchez said.