NZDF sends troops to help tackle floods in Canterbury and Otago

The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) has sent nine trucks, an ambulance and about 20 soldiers this evening to help tackle the floods in Canterbury and Otago, and placed 60 more troops on standby as a powerful storm continues to sweep across the South Island.

Major Brett Grieve, second in command of the 3rd Combat Service Support Battalion, said the trucks and the ambulance were making their way to flood-stricken Timaru and were expected to arrive there from 10pm tonight.

“The Emergency Operations Centre in Timaru has not yet given us specific tasks but we are prepared to help those in affected areas by evacuating people, distributing sandbags and delivering food and other vital supplies,” he said.

An Army officer is leading the 20-member contingent and has been assigned to work in Timaru’s EOC. Another two are liaising with Otago’s Regional Coordination Centre in Dunedin.

“We are closely monitoring the situation because the flooding is expected to get worse overnight,” Major Grieve said.

Brigadier Mike Shapland, the Land Component Commander, said at least 60 soldiers and eight more trucks from Burnham Military Camp could be mobilised at short notice if required.

“Our Defence Force sent help as soon as we learnt about the flooding this afternoon. We have deployed officers to work with the local authorities to determine what other support they might need,” Brigadier Shapland said.

The NZDF assisted communities in Auckland, Rangitikei, Whanganui and Edgecumbe, which were hit by massive flooding caused by cyclones that struck the country in quick succession earlier this year.