Kathmandu— Social media rumors claiming Spain's border with Morocco had opened led to a mass migration attempt towards the Spanish territory of Ceuta. Within hours, buses, trains, and taxis were filled as thousands rushed to the border, resulting in an estimated 60,000 people reaching Ceuta over several days. The chaos at the breakwater resulted in more than 80 deaths on both sides of the border.

Rumors Spread Through Social Media

Instagram posts and videos suggested that Spain’s border with Morocco was open, encouraging thousands to attempt crossing. TikTok videos mapped out routes for swimmers, while Facebook groups shared information on coast guard patrols. These rumors convinced young Moroccans like Anas Amrani, Yahya Harak, and Ismail Atik to risk the journey despite the dangers.

Chaos at Ceuta's Border

As migrants reached Ceuta’s shores, chaos erupted at a narrow concrete breakwater. Migrants scrambled over slick rocks in crowded conditions, leading to several deaths from drowning and stampedes. Lahcen Kalouch, who managed to reach Ceuta before returning home distraught, recounted stepping on the face of a dead man while climbing out of the water.

Misinterpretations of Spanish Policies

Some migrants misinterpreted recent legal developments in Spain, including Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s immigration regularization measures and court rulings. These policies were intended for people already living legally in Spain but led to misunderstandings among potential migrants from Morocco.

Failures on Both Sides

Moroccan and Spanish authorities blamed the digital sphere and misinformation for the surge of migrants, though evidence was not provided. Ceuta officials had warned about a possible influx before the event, but Spain’s Interior Ministry claimed it received no such warnings. The incident raised questions about security measures on both sides.

Lack of Jobs Fuels Migration

Despite Morocco's economic growth and industrial ambitions, youth unemployment remains high at 37% for those aged 15 to 24. Stories of relatives who left and returned with wealth reinforce the dream of migration among young Moroccans.

The fallout from last week’s events will likely have long-term implications for both Morocco and Spain, including discussions on border security, misinformation control, and economic policies to address youth unemployment.

(With inputs from AP)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.