Christchurch Earthquake - NZDF - Update 1

See our New Zealand Earthquakes page for ongoing updates - infonews.co.nz

A Royal New Air Force Boeing 757 is heading to CHCH tonight from Whenuapai Air Force Base in Auckland carrying 54 Urban Search & Rescue (USAR) staff, 20 x St John, 1 x Customs Plus their kit.

The aircraft loaded an additional 34 USAR passengers plus kit at Ohakea.

There will also be two sniffer dogs on the flight. It is due to arrive at ChCh airport at 2230.

Two Iroquois helicopters from No. SQN Ohakea have arrived to assist with rescue efforts in the city.

A P-3K Orion aircraft is also currently on task taking aerial surveillance images of affected areas.

The Royal New Zealand Navy’s Multi-role Vessel CANTERBURY is in Lyttelton and has offloaded approx 160 pers for cordon support duties.

HMNZS RESOLUTION has completed a survey of the main shipping route into Lyttleton harbour and results passed to port authorities.

HMNZS OTAGO is enroute to Lyttleton. HMNZS PUKAKI is at anchor with an element of the Navy Dive Team.

The NZ Army Medical Teams are at four different locations around Chch with military MPs working with the Police and NZDF Firefighters are working with local fire brigades.

Approximately 200plus soldiers are assisting NZ Police with cordon duties.