NZAID relief supplies are readied before loading onboard a C-130 Hercules. AK-07-0592-03-tn.jpg.
On Friday 30 November an Air Force C-130 Hercules left Whenuapai Air Base en-route to the province of Oro in Papua New Guinea.
The flight carried relief supplies from the stockpiles of the government’s aid agency NZAID. Two generators, tarpaulins, collapsible water containers and 500 blankets were off-loaded by New Zealand Defence Force personnel when the C-130 reached Oro at lunchtime local time the next day.
Thousands of people are in need of shelter and clean water after severe flooding swept through the area as a result of Cyclone Guba in mid-November.
C-130 Hercules captain FLTLT Gus Black said that the aircraft and crew landed at Girua Airport which is the main logistical support hub for the international relief effort. Relief supplies were then handed over to aid agencies currently on the ground.
We were only on the ground for an hour or so and then pretty much heading home, so it is a significant mission for us. It is a lot of flying but it is nice to know that we have supported those who are in need of a helping hand,” said FLTLT Black.
One RNZAF C-130 Hercules is always held on standby, or can be directed to support emergency situations or associated tasks.