SAF ASSISTS IN RELIEF OPERATIONS ROUND THE CLOCK

Since their arrival in earthquake-stricken Pulau Nias on 30 Mar, the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) personnel have been working round the clock to assist the local authorities in the relief operations.

A total of 94 SAF personnel, including a medical team, chopper pilots and logisticians, are currently being deployed in Nias island and Medan, the nearest big town to Nias.

The medical team has started operations at a school compound turned medical relief centre in Smunegeri, Gunung Sitoli, which is the island's main town.

The team is assisting the UN medical team in administering primary medical relief to the affected residents. To date, it has treated more than 90 patients for common ailments such as fractures, abrasions and burns.

The SAF has responded swiftly to the natural disaster that took place on 29 Mar, deploying three Chinook helicopters that reached Nias in the same evening. Since then, the Chinooks have flown 10 sorties over the next two days, ferrying personnel from the SAF, Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF), the Indonesian Armed Forces (TNI), the Singapore Red Cross and Mercy Relief.

The Chinooks also airlifted equipment like generators, food, water and medical supplies into Nias, as well as evacuated 45 casualties from Nias to Medan for further medical treatment.

In addition, three SAF C-130 transport aircraft were deployed to airlift the SAF, SCDF and Singapore Red Cross personnel, relief supplies and emergency aid to Medan on 30 and 31 Mar.

For more information, visit the microsite on the SAF's Humanitarian Assistance for Sumatra Earthquake.