1999/09 - Taiwan earthquake relief

Exercise/Operation

Taiwan earthquake relief

Utility Aircraft

Lockheed C-130 Hercules

Year

1999

The RSAF deployed a C-130 with a medical team and supplies to aid Taiwan’s earthquake relief efforts, earning deep local appreciation.

On 21 September 1999, Taiwan was hit by a massive earthquake that measured 7.2 on the Richter scale. This disaster toppled more than 6,000 buildings, killed over 2,100 people, and injured more than 7,800; about 100,000 more were displaced. The RSAF responded with a C-130 for the disaster relief mission that included a 17-member SAF medical team and members of the Singapore Civil Defence Force, along with relief and medical supplies. This operation lasted until 4 October 1999 and was well appreciated by the Taiwanese, some of whom refused to take money from the SAF team members when they patronised the local shops.

A plane with camouflage paint scheme flying in a blue sky.

A team of five Medical Officers and 12 Medics was configured for the relief mission and flown to Taiwan via the RSAF’s C-130.

“Amid the savage destruction wrought by nature, many of the team members experienced the gentler side of humanity and came away with a little more humility and a renewed faith in the inherent goodness of man.”

CPT (Dr) Ng Wee Tong, Deputy Team Leader, 1999 on gaining a different perspective after taking part in this SAF mission