Morocco extends assistance to flood-stricken Algeria

Three Moroccan planes landed in Algiers Wednesday with 21 tons of aid to the victims of the torrential storms that affected Algeria recently.

The Moroccan aid includes 14 tons of blankets and 7 tons of medicines.

Following the violent floods that hit Algeria recently, causing human and material damage and in a solidarity move with the Algerian people, Morocco's King Mohammed VI gave instructions to extend an emergency humanitarian assistance to alleviate the sufferings of the victims, a statement by the Moroccan ministry of foreign affairs and cooperation said.

The Mohammed V Solidarity Foundation also decided to join in Morocco's support and assistance effort and to send the flood victims blankets and two tons of drugs.

The three planes crew was welcomed by Algerian minister of employment and national solidarity, Taib Belaiz, head of the Algerian Red Cross, Abdelkader Boukhroufa, and several senior officials.

The Algerian minister told reporters this solidarity move evidences the ties of friendship, affection and brotherhood binding the Moroccan and Algerian peoples. This spirit of mutual assistance has always marked relations between the two peoples, he said, voicing thanks to the Moroccan government "for this act of solidarity we appreciate, and will keep in memory."

Torrential storms in Eastern Algeria have killed at least 28 people, including 15 children who were trapped in a flooding river valley. Throughout the region, hundreds of homes were flooded or battered by hail in the storms that began more than a week ago.