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New Zealand earthquake mission
Ipswich News - February 22, 2011
RAAF Base Amberley troops are helping in search and rescue operations after a deadly earthquake hit New Zealand yesterday.
An expert Queensland Fire Service Urban Search and Rescue Team will leave the base, near Ipswich, this morning to assist New Zealand authorities in the aftermath of the devastating earthquake that struck Christchurch.
The team will assist in the search and rescue of the up to 200 people reported missing, possibly trapped in the flattened buildings in the Christchurch CBD.
An air force C-17 Globemaster, operated by Number 36 Squadron, will be used to transport the team to New Zealand today.
It is believed medical teams are also on standby to be flown to the disaster zone, where about 8000 Australians are located.
The death toll stood at 65 late yesterday, but more bodies are expected to be pulled from the rubble today.
RAAF Base Amberley troops have had a hectic year with missions to help during the Queensland flood crisis and in the aftermath of Cyclone Yasi that hit far north Queensland.
RAAF Base Richmond, west of Sydney, has also been involved in the New Zealand crisis with search and rescue teams deployed on Hercules to help during the disaster.
There are fears hundreds of people could have died in the earthquake that measured 6.3 on the Richter scale at 12.51pm local time.
Attorney-General Robert McClelland said overnight that 148 Australian urban search and rescue specialists are being sent to Christchurch at the request of the New Zealand Government.
“These rescue teams are experts at recovering people who are trapped or affected by structural collapse and consist of highly training emergency services workers, doctors, engineers and search dogs,” he said.
“They have expert search, rescue, medical, engineering and support capabilities.”
He said Australia is ready to send more support if requested.
Premier Anna Bligh said Queensland Health also has an emergency medical team on standby consisting of emergency physicians, orthopaedic surgeons, general surgeons, burns specialists, anaesthetists and nurses.
“We will act on the advice of the Commonwealth Government and deploy this team as required,” Ms Bligh said yesterday.
“I want to express my sincere condolence and deepest sympathy to all those affected by the massive earthquake in New Zealand today.
“The situation in Christchurch is truly terrifying and distressing. Our thoughts and prayers are with all New Zealanders at this terrible time.
“As soon as Queensland authorities heard about this tragedy, immediate offers of assistance were made by the Queensland Government to New Zealand to provide specialist Urban Search and Rescue officers to assist in the response.
“Staff from Queensland Fire and Rescue Service have been liaising with their federal counterparts to determine what Queensland resources were required.
“I understand there has been significant damage to hospitals and emergency services facilities and equipment and we stand ready to help.
“The USAR team will be on a 10 day deployment and will carry 22 tonnes of equipment.
“Many of the team are specialists who have previous experience in the response to the Samoa and Sumatra earthquakes. We know too well the heartbreak of these events and we know how important it is to feel you have the support of others. Queensland will do we can to help New Zealand now.”
An emergency hotline has been established for Australians wanting to know about family and friends in the area. Call 1300 555 135.
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It looked pretty bad.
