Rabat – A planned humanitarian aid mission by the German Red Cross (DRK), originally scheduled to arrive in the earthquake-stricken regions of Morocco on Thursday, has been canceled.
According to German media, the DRK announced the cancellation, citing unforeseen regulatory changes that made it impossible to proceed with the scheduled flight on the same day.
“For reasons beyond our control, as well as the control of our partners in the Red Cross and Red Crescent movement, new regulations and guidelines were abruptly announced, making it impossible for the aircraft to take off today,” the DRK said in a statement.
The relief flight was set to depart with a total of 36.6 tonnes of humanitarian supplies, including more than 3,000 insulating ground mats and 550 family-sized tents.
This last-minute cancellation has been met with deep regret as it would have provided much-needed assistance to earthquake survivors in Morocco.
“We deeply regret these developments, because the people on the ground urgently need help after the severe earthquakes,” the DRK added.
The organization said they are now working to address the delay in delivering much-needed relief.
Read also: Earthquake: Germany Says Morocco Not Taking Aid is Not Politically Motivated
The tragic magnitude 7 earthquake that hit Morocco’s Al Haouz region last week claimed the lives of nearly 3,000 people and injured over 5,000.
In addition, the disaster caused massive destruction to several villages and critical access routes needed to provide assistance to those affected.
Rescue teams have struggled to reach all the villages in the hard-hit Atlas Mountains, resorting to airdropping relief packages.
Many areas, particularly those close to the epicenter of the earthquake, remain short of crucial supplies.
Volunteers from all over the country have been sending essential items such as food, blankets, and clothing to help address this shortage.
