Singapore's Military Assistance to New Zealand Earthquake Relief Efforts

Singapore's military played a vital role in assisting with the relief efforts following the devastating earthquake in Christchurch, New Zealand. Two Republic of Singapore Air Force C-130 military transport aircraft were dispatched to transport bottled water, welfare supplies, and a decontamination team to the affected area. The aircraft also evacuated 138 civilians to Wellington and Auckland. The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) has committed to assisting the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) with rescue operations and humanitarian aid, with a team of 116 personnel deployed to help with cordon operations and provide medical assistance to civilians.

Key Takeaways:

• Two RSAF C-130 military transport aircraft were dispatched to assist the NZDF with airlifting humanitarian aid and supplies to victims of the earthquake.
• The aircraft made two supply runs, transporting bottled water and welfare supplies, as well as a decontamination team and equipment into Christchurch.
• The aircraft also evacuated 138 civilians out of Christchurch to Wellington and Auckland.
• The SAF has made available the two C-130s currently based out of Whenuapai Air Base near Auckland for use by the NZDF as part of the ongoing assistance provided by the SAF.
• The Singaporean military has deployed a team of 116 personnel to assist with cordon operations and provide medical assistance to civilians affected by the earthquake.
• Two medical officers from the SAF team were deployed with the NZDF mobile primary healthcare team to welfare centres in Christchurch, where they provided medical assistance to civilians.
• NZDF Chief of Defence Force Lieutenant-General (LG) Richard Rhys Jones visited the SAF team and expressed his appreciation for the SAF's contributions to the rescue operations and disaster relief efforts.

Statistics:

• 2 RSAF C-130 military transport aircraft were deployed to assist with airlifting humanitarian aid and supplies.
• The aircraft made 2 supply runs to transport bottled water, welfare supplies, and decontamination equipment to Christchurch.
• 138 civilians were evacuated from Christchurch to Wellington and Auckland.
• The SAF team consists of 116 personnel, with 2 medical officers deployed to welfare centres in Christchurch.

Sources:

• Ministry of Defence, press release, February 27, 2011
• Ministry of Defence, Copyright Ministry of Defence, distributed by Contify.com