Authorities call quake-stricken population to facilitate supplies, aid continuee to pour in the region
Morocco, Local, 3/1/2004

Moroccan authorities have called on the quake-stricken populations in the province of Al Hoceima to "facilitate" the distribution of humanitarian aid supplies to the victims of Tuesday's earthquake while national and international assistance continue to pour in the region.

Colonel Mohamed Benziyane, from the Direction of the " Protection Civile" (firefighter department) told MAP that "everywhere, disturbances occur always in the first hours following disasters," calling on the citizens to collaborate with the Administration, authorities or their representatives.

Angry people demonstrated in protest against the "slow" distribution of aid supplies with some of them blocking the road to trucks loaded with blankets, foodstuff etc.

According to Colonel Benziyane, the late distribution of aid was due to "the unacceptable behavior of some citizens who blocked trucks heading for affected areas," noting that such behavior "was interpreted wrongly by certain media."

He asserted that the necessary aid is available and rescue operations were accelerated on Friday.

Helicopters of the Royal Gendarmerie have dropped important quantities of food in 27 villages with difficult access, considered as the most affected, he said.

Meanwhile, 120 planes loaded with humanitarian aid and medical staff from Morocco and many countries around the world have so far landed at the Al Hoceima international airport in what authorities describe as the "biggest expression of solidarity" of the national and the international community with the victims of this earthquake that struck at 2:27 am GMT on Tuesday killing 572 people and injuring 427, according to a latest official toll.

Previous Stories:
  Spanish cabinet adopts Moroccan driving licenses homologation   (2/28/2004)
  Morocco opens account at foreign banks to collect funds for quake victims   (2/28/2004)
  Aid dropped in Mountainous regions, relief supply gains momentum   (2/28/2004)

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