Zagreb, Sep 17 (IANS): More than 1,000 migrants have arrived in Croatia, prompting Foreign Minister Vesna Pusic to say the country could not handle tens of thousands of migrants.

"Croatia could deal with thousands but not tens of thousands. We simply don't have the capacity," Xinhua quoted the minister as saying on Wednesday.

Croatia was discussing with other countries for help when the migrants increase, according to Pusic.

The Croatian government announced it would set up a task force on Thursday for dealing with the refugee crisis after first wave of refugees hit the country on Wednesday.

The task force, led by Interior Minister Ranko Ostojic, comprises deputies or assistant ministers from the ministries of welfare, foreign affairs, labour, and health, as well as the director of the State Protection and Rescue Department, government spokesman Nikola Jelic said.

A total of 1,191 migrants had entered Croatia on Wednesday by 9 p.m. (local time).

Ever since Hungary closed its borders on Monday and Tuesday, the refugee wave going through Serbia will now most likely go through Croatia towards Western Europe.

Hungarian riot police on Wednesday fired tear gas and water cannons at protesting refugees trying to enter the country at the border with Serbia, according to media reports.