SAF sends aircraft to aid quake-hit Christchurch

The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) has made available the two C-130s currently based out of Whenuapai Air Base near Auckland for use by the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) as part of the ongoing assistance provided by the SAF for the disaster relief efforts in Christchurch.

Singapore's Ministry of Defence said the aircraft made two supply runs to transport 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.

Singapore Contingent Commander Colonel Melvyn Ong said: "The Singapore contingent remains committed to assisting the NZDF with rescue operations and to provide humanitarian aid to the residents whose lives and homes have been affected by the earthquake.

"We hope that our assistance has gone some way towards relieving the suffering of the earthquake victims".

ORIGINAL SOURCE