One sentence summary – Morocco has limited its acceptance of international aid for earthquake relief due to logistical challenges and a cautious approach emphasizing coordination, although some aid groups believe political tensions may have also played a role; however, charities and nonprofits are still providing support to the affected areas.
At a glance
- French aid workers were unable to assist with earthquake relief efforts in Morocco due to a lack of permission from the Moroccan government.
- Morocco has accepted search-and-rescue crews from Spain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and the U.K.
- Offers of emergency assistance from the United States, France, and other countries were declined.
- Morocco’s cautious approach to accepting international aid may be influenced by past experiences and the need for coordinated aid.
- Despite Morocco’s limited approach, aid from charities and nonprofits is still being delivered to help the affected areas.
The details
French aid workers were unable to assist with earthquake relief efforts in Morocco due to a lack of permission from the Moroccan government.
This has led to frustration among European aid groups over Morocco’s limited acceptance of outside assistance.
Morocco has accepted search-and-rescue crews from Spain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and the U.K.
However, offers of emergency assistance from the United States, France, and other countries were declined.
The reasons for Morocco’s limited approach appear to be partly logistical.
Rescue teams can sometimes be more of a hindrance than a help if they rush in uninvited and without coordination.
The disaster zone’s roads and dirt tracks were destroyed and blocked by fallen rocks.
This made it difficult to quickly transport aid workers to the affected areas.
Morocco’s cautious approach to accepting international aid may also be influenced by past experiences.
The country has bad memories of chaotic international aid following a previous earthquake in 2004.
Therefore, the Moroccan government emphasized the need for coordinated aid.
They cautioned against poorly coordinated assistance.
Moroccan Senator Lahcen Haddad stated that the immediate priority was clearing roads and reaching survivors.
Aid could potentially be provided later, according to Haddad.
This approach is supported by Caroline Holt of the International Federation of the Red Cross.
Holt acknowledged the complexity of accessing some quake-hit areas.
She also supported the Moroccan government’s cautious approach.
However, some aid groups believe that political tensions between France and Morocco may have contributed to the lack of response to their assistance offers.
Arnaud Fraisse, the coordinator of a French aid group, expressed this sentiment.
Germany and the Czech Republic also offered assistance but were not taken up on their offers.
Despite Morocco’s limited approach, the response does not seem to be slowing aid from charities and nonprofits.
These organizations are continuing their efforts to provide support to those affected by the earthquake.
Morocco’s response to international aid offers for earthquake relief has been cautious and limited.
The government’s emphasis on coordination and the challenges posed by logistical difficulties, including blocked roads, have influenced their approach.
While political tensions and past experiences may have played a role, aid from charities and nonprofits is still being delivered to help the affected areas.
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| independent.co.uk |
|---|
| – French aid workers were unable to travel to Morocco to assist with earthquake relief efforts due to a lack of permission from the Moroccan government. |
| – Aid groups in Europe are frustrated with Morocco’s limited approach to accepting outside assistance. |
| – Morocco accepted search-and-rescue crews from Spain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and the U.K., but declined offers of emergency assistance from the United States, France, and other countries. – |
| The reasons for Morocco’s limited approach appear to be partly logistical, as rescue teams can be more of a hindrance than a help if they rush in uninvited and without coordination. |
| – Roads and dirt tracks in the disaster zone were destroyed and blocked by fallen rocks, making it difficult to quickly transport aid workers to the affected areas. |
| – Morocco has bad memories of chaotic international aid following a previous earthquake in 2004. – |
| The Moroccan government emphasized the need for coordinated aid and cautioned against poorly coordinated assistance. |
| – Moroccan Senator Lahcen Haddad stated that the immediate priority was clearing roads and reaching survivors, and aid could be provided later. |
| – Caroline Holt of the International Federation of the Red Cross acknowledged the complexity of accessing some quake-hit areas and supported the Moroccan government’s cautious approach. – Arnaud Fraisse, the coordinator of a French aid group, believes that political tensions between France and Morocco may have contributed to the lack of response to his team’s offer of assistance. – Germany and the Czech Republic also offered assistance but were not taken up on their offers. – Morocco’s response does not seem to be slowing aid from charities and nonprofits. |
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