2011/02 - Christchurch Earthquake Relief

On 23 February 2011, a 6.3-magnitude earthquake hit New Zealand and crippled Christchurch, its second largest city. As part of Singapore's contribution to the relief efforts, two C-130 planes and one KC-135R tanker were deployed to dispatch to Christchurch an SAF command team and a 55-member urban Search and Rescue team from the Singapore Civil Defence Force.

During this 17-day deployment, the two C-130s completed more than 13 sorties and evacuated over 160 civilians. They also airlifted close to 50,000kg of humanitarian aid and supplies including drinking water, decontamination equipment, clothing, and portable generators to the earthquake victims.

Two C-130s and a KC-135R from the RSAF assisted in airlifting supplies and evacuating civilians out of Christchurch.

The RSAF's C-130 was deployed to evacuate earthquake survivors to safety.

“This was not an easy mission. Getting the passengers on board was a challenge itself – there were some passengers who had walking disabilities and it took a few of us to help them onto the KC-135R. We also had to make sure that everyone – including a toddler who was with us – was comfortable on board.”

3WO Ng Kok Wee, Aircrew Specialist, 112 Squadron, 2011 on the difficulties of the deployment in Christchurch