Approximately 48,000 refugees and migrants crossed from Turkey to the Greek islands, according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM).

GENEVA (Sputnik) — A record 48,000 migrants arrived in Greece in just five days which is considered to be the highest weekly migrant inflow into the country in 2015, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) reported Friday.

"This week IOM Greece recorded the highest migration inflows since the beginning of 2015. Despite deteriorating weather conditions, approximately 48,000 refugees and migrants crossed from Turkey to the Greek islands," IOM said in a press-release, referring to the period between October 17 and 21.

It goes on to mention that some local authorities were unprepared to handle the arrival of such a huge number of refugees.

According to IOM Greece staff, the growing number of arrivals has resulted in more sea victims.

"Since Monday (19/10), 18 migrants are believed to have lost their lives in two incidents – one on October 19th off the coast of Megisti, the other on October 21st off the coast of Samos," the statement said.

In total, over 3,175 refugees have drowned trying to cross the Mediterranean on their way to Europe since the beginning of the year, according to IOM figures.

Currently, Europe is facing the biggest migration crisis since World War II. According to the EU border agency Frontex, over 710,000 asylum seekers from the Middle East and North Africa have arrived in the European Union since the beginning of 2015.