12th overseas rescue mission for Ops Lionheart – Christchurch, New Zealand.

Posted on February 28, 2011 by scdfwebmaster

NewZealand, you have been kind to us during our younger years, pls let us help you in your darkest hour..’

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New Zealand, you have been kind to us during our younger years, pls let us help you in your darkest hour..’

Christchurch was hit by a powerful 6.3-magnitude earthquake on 22^nd Feb 2011, which killed at least 65 people. Dozens were reportedly trapped under flattened buildings in New Zealand’s most devastating tremor in 80 years. Singapore sent help to Christchurch as rescue efforts continue after the devastating earthquake.

Led by LTC Ling Kok Yong, Commander of 1st CD Division, the 55-man team comprises experienced officers from SCDF’s elite Disaster Assistance & Rescue Team (DART) and specialist Trauma Paramedics. They are bringing along a host of rescue equipment like fibre-optic scopes, life detector systems and hydraulic cutters and spreaders. Four search dogs are also part of this mission.

The Operations Lionheart Contingent was sent off by Mr K Shanmugam, Minister for Home Affairs and Law at 0030 hrs on 23 February 2011. The contingent left for New Zealand from Paya Lebar Air Base onboard a Republic of Singapore Air Force KC-135 and two C-130 military aircraft.

The SCDF Operation Lionheart Contingent (first flight wave) arrived in Christchurch, New Zealand on 23^rd Feb 2011 at 1335hrs (Singapore time). The contingent set-up their base at Latimer Square The team is expected to work through the night, conducting search and rescue operations.

The second flight wave arrived at Richmond, Australia at 2250hrs, 23 February 2011 (Singapore time). They proceeded to Christchurch, New Zealand and the estimated time of arrival at Christchurch is 1315hrs, 24 February 2011 (Singapore time).

So far no casualties have yet to be found. SCDF has searched at more than 40 sites to date and will continue doing so as long as New Zealand needs their help.

The first wave of rescuers (21 rescuers and 4 dogs) returned safely home on 6th March 2011. They were received with thunderous applause by collegues, friends and family members at Changi Airport Terminal 3.

The High Commissioner of New Zealand applauded the rescuers selfless efforts during New Zealands state of emergency and praised the rest of the contigent that remained to further help New Zealand. These remaining members are scheduled to return home a week later on the 20th of March 2011.

The Contigent that remain in Christchurch proactively assist in the continuing efforts to rebuild the town again. Since 6 March 2011, 16 members of the Operation Lionheart Contingent were attached to the New Zealand Fire Service to assist with the
assessment of building structures located at the outskirts of the city. They also assured the residents on the structural stability of their premises.

On 13 March 2011, the remaining 30 rescuers of the 55 man team returned home from Ops Lionheart-Christchurch. They were received at Changi Airport by Assoc Prof Ho Peng Kee, SCDF Senior Officers, collegues, friends and family members. Their selfless efforts will be forever engraved into the hearts and minds of those who witnessed them in action. Operation Lionheart for Christchurch have since finallyconcluded.

Speedy Recovery New Zealand!!

Well Done SCDF!!

Sending off at Paya Lebar Airbase by Mr K Shanmugam, Minister for Home Affairs and Law

SCDF search dogs in action

NZ PM Mr John Key and SCDF LTC Ling Kok Yong, Contingent Comdr@ present Crisis Management Ctr

Dart Rescuer at Lichfield St . SCDF rescuers at their 12th site.

SCDF rescuers working closely with US USAR team

SCDF rescuer conducting in a collapsed furniture warehouse

SCDF rescuer conducting search in a confined space of a furniture warehouse

International Team Rescue Leaders observing a 2 mins silence to remeber those whom they could not save in time . At 1251hrs(NZ), 1 March 2011 marks 1 week after the devasting Christchurch earthquake.