Just after midnight (local time) at 0002 on Mon 14 Nov 2016, an M7.8 Earthquake struck near Kaikoura just off the east coast of NZ South Island, activating the Papatea, Kekerengu, Hope, Hundalee and Waipapa Bay Faults. There were very few fatalities but major infrastructure damage in the affected areas occurred, with some communities isolated by road / rail severance and landslides. Amongst the aftershocks a tsunami warning was given and a 2m wave affected Wellington to the north and the Chatham Islands. In general the coastline has been raised by between 0.5 and 2m with the exception of a localised block around Waipapa Bay which made 5m.
A fleet of international ships was assembling near Auckland for the 75th Anniversary of the RNZN celebrations and those with more capable ships flights were diverted by their governments to assist the Civil Power in the initial rescue, recovery and stabilisation operations. As well as military action, the NZ emergency services, community groups and individuals mobilised to assist those affected. With the exception of HMNZS Canterbury, the ships were withdrawn by 19 Nov with most visiting Wellington before calling in at Auckland on 22 Nov.
RNZAF 3 Squadron mobilised NH90 and A109 from RNZAF Ohakea, 6 Squadron Seasprites operated from RNZAF Whenuapai. The latter also hosted fixed wing support from aircraft visiting for the Fleet Review; a US Navy P-3C 158563 / RD563 of VP-47, two JMSDF P-1 5505/05 and 5508/08 plus based RNZAF C-130 and P-3K.
A fleet of international ships was assembling near Auckland for the 75th Anniversary of the RNZN celebrations and those with more capable ships flights were diverted by their governments to assist the Civil Power in the initial rescue, recovery and stabilisation operations. As well as military action, the NZ emergency services, community groups and individuals mobilised to assist those affected. With the exception of HMNZS Canterbury, the ships were withdrawn by 19 Nov with most visiting Wellington before calling in at Auckland on 22 Nov.
RNZAF 3 Squadron mobilised NH90 and A109 from RNZAF Ohakea, 6 Squadron Seasprites operated from RNZAF Whenuapai. The latter also hosted fixed wing support from aircraft visiting for the Fleet Review; a US Navy P-3C 158563 / RD563 of VP-47, two JMSDF P-1 5505/05 and 5508/08 plus based RNZAF C-130 and P-3K.
Turning a national disaster into a scientific triumph, the NZ National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research ship rv Tangaroa was able to collect seafloor shallow cores between 14 and 19 Nov and revolutionise our understanding of landscape scale canyon flushing events and turbidite emplacement along and across the submarine Kaikoura Canyon.
News |
Canadians Ends Relief Operation in New Zealand
21-Nov-16 - Canadian frigate HMCS Vancouver with its Sea King helicopter originally in New Zealand for the 75th RNZN Anniversary completed emergency relief operations in affected area hit by the earthquake #eqnzNH90s Bring Supplies to Kaikoura After Earthquake
15-Nov-16 - Eight aircraft along HMNZS Canterbury (L421) and HMNZS Wellington (P55) ships deliver vital supplies of immediate aid and evacuate stranded tourists and residents #eqnzNH90 Supports New Zealand Earthquake Response
13-Nov-16 - Royal New Zealand Air Force’s (RNZAF) 3 Squadron NH90 dispatched to support emergency management after a 7.8 magnitude earthquake hit North Canterbury #eqnz Units |
Dates | Unit | Models |
---|---|---|
14nov16 | NEST New Zealand Rescue Helicopters | S-76 |
14nov16 to 23nov16 | 3 Squadron Royal New Zealand Air Force | NH90 TTH A109LUH |
14nov16 to 23nov16 | 6 Squadron Royal New Zealand Air Force | Seasprite |
14nov16 to 19nov16 | HSM-73 US Navy | S-70 H-60 |
Individual helicopters |
Model | IDs |
---|---|
Sikorsky CH-124 Sea King | 12412 |
Sikorsky S-76A | ZK-IAL |
Sikorsky MH-60R Seahawk | 166534 |
Robinson R44 II | ZK-IJM |
NH Industries NH90 TTH | NZ3301 NZ3305 NZ3307 NZ3308 |
Kaman SH-2G | NZ3611 |
Ships |
Classes | Ships | |
---|---|---|
Guided-Missile Destroyer | Arleigh Burke Flight IIA class | DDG-102 USS Sampson, |
Guided-Missile Frigate | Adelaide class | FFG 04 HMAS Darwin, |
Frigate | Anzac class | F77 HMNZS Te Kaha, |
Frigate | City class | FFH 331 HMCS Vancouver, |
Corvette | Protector OPV class | P55 HMNZS Wellington, |
Landing Ship/Platform Dock | Canterbury class | L421 HMNZS Canterbury, |
Support Ship | Endeavour (NZ) class | A11 HMNZS Endeavour, |