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U.S. sends earthquake aid to Morocco

WASHINGTON, Feb. 25 (UPI) -- The United States is providing relief for the victims of Tuesday's earthquake in Morocco, the state department in Washington said Wednesday.

"We are sending supplies to Morocco on an urgent basis from our warehouses in Italy and elsewhere, including 10,000 blankets, tents, water pumping and purification units, water containers, hygiene kits and generators, and other emergency items," said spokesman Richard Boucher. "The first planeload of emergency relief for the people of Morocco will arrive (Wednesday)."

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An earthquake measuring 6.5 on the Richter scale killed approximately 600 people and injured hundreds more early Tuesday in villages near the coastal city of Al Hoceima, between the Rif Mountains and the Mediterranean Sea.

Boucher said Wednesday's assistance is in addition to the $50,000 contribution to the Moroccan Red Crescent provided the day of the earthquake to respond to the immediate needs of the Moroccan people.

He said the U.S. Agency for International Development was conducting a needs assessment to determine what other support the United States might be able to offer.

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