Many migrants have headed to the Italian island of Lampedusa
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The Italian government has declared a humanitarian emergency after nearly 3,000 migrants arrived in the country in the last few days.
Officials say most of the migrants are from Tunisia, which has seen continued turmoil since the 14 January overthrow of President Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali.
The declaration frees up funds and personnel to deal with the influx.
Most of the migrants have been trying to reach Italy in small boats and have been intercepted by the coast guard.
Italian officials said nearly 3,000 migrants had arrived on the island of Lampedusa in the last three days, swamping facilities there. The island is closer to North Africa than the mainland of Italy.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-12441613
Note: 12 February 2011 Last updated at 21:47 GMT