Rome, February 03 (QNA) – A relief organization announced that a number of migrants went missing during Cyclone Harry, which struck the central Mediterranean region in January.

The Italy-based organization, Mediterranea Saving Humans, stated in a press release that approximately 1,000 people may have been lost at sea during Cyclone Harry.

The central Mediterranean route, located between Italy, Malta, Libya, and Tunisia, is one of the busiest routes for irregular migration flows to Europe in recent years.

European-based non-governmental organizations typically rescue migrants who issue distress calls after setting off from the coasts of North Africa.

Between January 18 and 25, Cyclone Harry caused significant damage to the southern coasts of Italy and the island of Malta. (QNA)