4 April 2007
A Royal New Zealand Air Force Hercules and an infantry section working with RAMSI have been dispatched to assist with aid and damage assessment efforts in some of the areas worst hit by Monday’s earthquake and following tsunami.
The RNZAF Hercules flew from Honiara to Munda this morning to deliver NZAID supplies including tarpaulins, water bottles and field cooking units to assistance teams working in the Munda and Gizo areas.
A combined section, including seven New Zealand Defence Force soldiers currently serving in the Solomons, has also been tasked by RAMSI to provide security to a 40-strong Damage Assessment Team traveling to Gizo Island today.
The NZDF section is providing security to ensure the Damage Assessment Team can ascertain how much damage has occurred and what steps can be taken to help those in need.
ENDS
Contacts:
NZDF Solomon Islands aid effort – James Heffield: 04 496 0286 or 021 676 338.
NZ troops return to Christchurch tonight – Kirsty Clokie: 04 496 0292 or 021 745 288
Minister of Defence’s office - Jeremy Seed: 04 471 9794 or 021 278 7233
NZ AID - Catrina McDiarmid : 04 439 8314 or 021 588 827
MFAT – Helen Tunnah: 04 439 8205 or 021 375 105
Background
Overview:
A series of earthquakes, the largest reportedly registering 8.1 on the Richter Scale, struck the Western Provinces of the Solomon Islands (about 10kms deep near the town of Gizo and 345 kms west of Honiara) around 8.39 am New Zealand time yesterday.
Large tsunami waves (reports range from 2m to 10m) are reported to have struck the islands in the Western Province area of Solomon Islands and some parts of PNG.
Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands:
RAMSI is a partnership between the government of the Solomon Islands and contributing pacific nations, including New Zealand and Australia. It aims to ensure security and assists the Solomon Island’s people and government to develop the skills and institutions for successful self governance.
New Zealand has supported the RAMSI mission since July 2003 at the request of the Solomon Island’s government.
NZ Troops returning:
A contingent of 44 New Zealand soldiers is returning from the Solomon Islands this evening. The contingent will arrive at Christchurch International Airport at 9.45pm. A fresh rotation of NZ soldiers departed from Auckland on March 28 to relieve them. The new rotation will remain in the Solomon Islands for four months assisting the RAMSI mission.