RNZAF Helicopters Support Government’s Earthquake Response

NZDF Supports Government’s Response to Massive Earthquake

(Source: New Zealand Defence Force; issued Nov 14, 2016)

In the aftermath of the earthquake that hit New Zealand on Nov. 14, Royal New Zealand Air Force aircraft carried out a number of damage assessment flights, while its NH90 helicopters also evacuated people and flew in emergency supplies. (RNZAF photo)

The NZ Defence Force (NZDF) has mobilised multiple assets including personnel and at least three of its aircraft to support the government’s response to the massive 7.5 earthquake that hit North Canterbury just after midnight on Monday morning.

Air Commodore (AIRCDRE) Darryn Webb, the Acting Commander Joint Forces New Zealand, said an NH90 medium utility helicopter from the Royal New Zealand Air Force’s (RNZAF) 3 Squadron took off from Ohakea at 5.30am to support the Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management.

AIRCDRE Webb said an RNZAF P-3K2 Orion surveillance aircraft from 5 Squadron left Whenuapai at 7.20am to survey main transport routes and towns from Picton to Christchurch.

Another NH90 helicopter and other aircraft have been placed on standby for other tasks, including conducting an aerial survey of areas in the Kaikoura region which reportedly suffered the brunt of the earthquake.

NZDF personnel from Burnham Military Camp and RNZAF Base Woodbourne have also been mobilised to support the Christchurch civil defence authorities.

“The Chief of Defence Force, Lieutenant General Tim Keating, has directed that we remain ready to respond should the situation require further support,” AIRCDRE Webb said.

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NZDF Surveys Quake-Damaged Areas

(Source: New Zealand Defence Force; issued Nov 14, 2016)

The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) has sent a P-3K2 Orion surveillance aircraft and two NH90 medium utility helicopters to survey areas in North Canterbury that were rocked by a massive 7.5 earthquake early on Monday.

Air Commodore (AIRCDRE) Darryn Webb, the Acting Commander Joint Forces New Zealand, said photos taken during the aerial surveys by Royal New Zealand Air Force aircraft showed massive rockfalls in several areas in the upper South Island.

“It is clear from the photos taken by our personnel that the major route from Christchurch to Kaikoura is impassable. So is the road from Kaikoura to Hanmer Springs and the one from Blenheim to Kaikoura,” AIRCDRE Webb said.

“We are currently assisting the Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management in assessing the extent of the damage wrought by the earthquake, and we are ready to provide additional support as required.”

AIRCDRE Webb said the Orion surveyed main transport routes and towns from Picton to Christchurch including inland routes. A third NH90 helicopter and other aircraft have been placed on standby for other tasks, including transporting personnel and equipment required in the emergency response.

Over 100 NZDF personnel from Burnham Military Camp and RNZAF Base Woodbourne are also assisting Christchurch civil defence authorities.

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