Germany implements temporary border checks to limit migrants

BERLIN (AP) — Germany introduced temporary border controls Sunday to stem the tide of thousands of refugees streaming across its frontier, sending a clear message to its European partners that it needs more help with an influx that is straining its ability to cope.

Germany is a preferred destination for many people fleeing Syria's civil war and other troubled nations in the migration crisis that has bitterly divided Europe.

The flow has continued undiminished, and while Germans have remained welcoming, officials said the numbers were straining the country's ability to provide accommodations.

Berlin has become increasingly frustrated with the reluctance of many other countries in the 28-nation European Union — especially those in the former Eastern bloc — to share the burden of hosting the newcomers.

Greece's coast guard said the 34 who died Sunday, including four infants and 11 older children, drowned when their wooden boat containing more than 130 people capsized near the island of Farmakonissi.

Hungarian army engineers spent Sunday expanding the country's planned 174-kilometer (109-mile) border fence with Serbia and crowning it with coils of razor wire.

Police said 4,330 were detected crossing on foot in the previous 24 hours, more than 700 higher than the previous one-day record, as trekkers tried to reach Hungary before the tougher security measures take effect.