SAF REINFORCES NZDF DEPLOYMENTS AROUND DOWNTOWN

As the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) command team assesses the situation in Christchurch, New Zealand, for further assistance, the 116-strong SAF contingent has been assisting the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) in establishing a cordon around the city centre.

Christchurch was hit by a 6.3-magnitude earthquake on 22 Feb, which disrupted power and water supplies to much of the city. When cyberpioneer visited the crippled city, many essential services such as communications networks and public utilities were still not functioning.

In aid of ongoing rescue efforts, the SAF contingent has deployed its forces to assist the NZDF and local police in maintaining an extensive cordon around the downtown area.

Said Lance Corporal (LCP) Md Khairil Haris of Headquarters Guards: "I have been on duty for 12 hours... guiding vehicles in and out of the disaster area. It is tiring but meaningful work as we know that we are doing our part for the relief operations in the city centre."

LCP Haris and his fellow soldiers are being deployed in 12-hour shifts to maintain the cordon.

According to Major (Dr) Alexander Gorny, from Headquarters Commando, who is part of the SAF command team, the risk of cold-related ailments is elevated in such operations.

As such, commanders on the ground have been on lookout for signs of fatigue among their men, as Lieutenant (LTA) Lim Seow Lye said: "The platoon commander and platoon sergeant on the ground are conducting hourly roving talks with the men stationed at various intersections.

"Basically, we are making sure that the men are sufficiently clothed for the cold weather and to ensure that the men have enough rations to last the shift," explained LTA Lim. The temperature has been as low as 11.4 degrees Celsius in the past three days.

The 116 servicemen were in New Zealand for a training exercise when the earthquake struck, and have since been diverted to assist in the disaster relief efforts.

Since their arrival in New Zealand on 23 Feb, the SAF command team has been in contact with local authorities, such the officials stationed at the local Disaster Management Centre - set up in the Christchurch Art Gallery - to assess further areas of assistance.

When the team met Christchurch Deputy Mayor Ngaire Button, she thanked the Singapore contingent for their swift assistance.

A 55-member Singapore Civil Defence Force team, comprising experienced officers from the elite Disaster Assistance & Rescue Team and forming a part of the Singapore contingent, is currently conducting search and rescue operations in the city.



The Singapore contingent will continue to work closely with the NZDF and local authorities.