Operation Samoan Tsunami 2009
On Tuesday 29 September 2009 (Samoan Time) an 8.3 magnitude earthquake off the south west coast of Samoa caused a tsunami which devastated the southern coastline of, American Samoan and islands in northern Tongan group, mainly Niuatoputapu. NZDF deployed over 150 personnel in support of this operation.
NZ High Commissioner to Samoa Mrs Caroline Bilkey visits Lalomanu Primary to speak with Staff about schooling post tsunami. NZDF personnel were based at the school and said thank you by flying in a 3 SQN Iroquois and taking the children for a ride in a NZ Army Pinzgauer.
Download contingent at Lalo Manu [11MB wmv file]
Download contingent at Lalo Manu [11.6 swf file]
Duration 3min 10sec
Interview with Squadron Leader Kavae Tamariki - NZDF Senior Media Adviser. NZDF personnel arrive on the ground at Lalomanu Primary School to establish a base camp. The NZ Army Medics and Engineers are flown in by Air Force Iroquois to begin providing medical aid and restoring emergency services.
Duration 7min 35sec
The RAF C-130J landed in Samoa on Saturday 2 OCT (local time) to deliver the UH-1H Iroquois that will join a second helicopter that arrived in Samoa on Thursday night (local time). Australian and New Zealand personnel worked together to shift the helicopter from the cargo hold of the Hercules. WO Paul Davies the Chief Engineer at 3 Squadron RNZAF discusses how 3 Squadron was in Samoa recently training for this type of operation.
Duration 0min 46sec