NZDF Assistance to Pacific Tsunami - update 3

[3 October 2009] New Zealand Defence Force medical officers using Royal New Zealand Air Force aircraft have evacuated injured New Zealanders from Samoa overnight.

An Air Force Iroquois helicopter airlifted the injured from Apia Hospital to Faleolo International Airport where they boarded an RNZAF Boeing 757 for the flight back to Auckland.

The aircraft arrived at approximately 1.30 am this morning at Whenuapai Air Force Base, Auckland. Thirteen people were transported to hospital by ambulance, five went to hospital (not in ambulance) for assessment and three were free to go home.

This morning the Iroquois has been flying aid to the villages on the south coast and continuing with Aero Medical Evacuations. Later today it will begin flying into Lalomanu.

New Zealand Army Medics are busy on the ground responding to requests for assistance and Army Engineers are continuing with their reconnaissance to assess damage.

The Environmental Health Team is continuing with their surveys and assessments along the south coast.

Activities in Support:

An RNZAF C-130 Hercules left this morning from Whenuapai Air Force Base, on board is a water purification unit an army light operational vehicle and sustainment supplies.

A second Air Force Iroquois will be transported by an Australian Defence Force C-130 Hercules this afternoon from Ohakea. It will arrive in Samoa later this evening and be ready for flight taskings tomorrow.

Early tomorrow morning an Air Force Boeing 757 will fly to Samoa, on board will be NZ Police Search and Rescue dogs and handlers along with additional aid equipment.