RNZAF and RAAF support Vanuatu after 7.3M earthquake

After a large 7.3 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Vanuatu on Tuesday afternoon the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) sent five aircraft to deliver aid to the nation.

An RNZAF C-130H Hercules getting ready to depart Base Auckland for Vanuatu | Photo: Noah Stohr-Waldren

On Tuesday evening the first support aircraft, a Boeing P-8A Poseidon registered as NZ4802, took off from RNZAF Base Ohakea bound for Vanuatu. The flight eventually landed in Nadi after carrying out surveillance of key infrastructure sites in Port Vila and the surrounding islands. Due to a lack of radar coverage in the area, it’s unknown if the aircraft landed or just surveyed the area from above. On Thursday, the aircraft conducted surveillance over the island nation, assessing the damage before returning to Ohakea.

On Wednesday afternoon, a C-130H Hercules NZ7002, departed RNZAF Base Auckland carrying Fire and Emergency NZ Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) personnel, New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade staff, and equipment to Vanuatu. However, when nearing Vanuatu, the aircraft experienced an engine fire alert forcing it to divert and make an emergency landing in Noumea in New Caledonia late at night.

At first light on Thursday morning, a third aircraft, a brand new C-130J Super Hercules NZ7011, left Whenuapai heading for Vanuatu. The aircraft was carrying search and rescue equipment, humanitarian assistance, and disaster relief supplies as well as Mfat consular staff and six NZDF personnel. After dropping off the supplies in Vanuatu the plane departed and flew to nearby Nadi, Fiji.

Shortly after the second Hercules, a third C-130, NZ7005, took off from Whenuapai heading to Noumea carrying equipment for the broken C-130H stuck in Noumea. After arriving in Noumea, NZ7005 dropped off the equipment to help the stranded Hercules before loading the cargo and crew that were originally bound for Vanuatu on Wednesday night. NZ7005 then departed Noumea with the cargo from the first Hercules on board. The aircraft and cargo later finally arrived in Vanuatu on Thursday afternoon.

After delivering their aid, all three of the Hercules’, NZ7002, 05, and 11 landed home at RNZAF Base Auckland on Thursday evening.

Additionally, an RNZAF Boeing 757 departed Whenuapai for Port Vila on Thursday morning transporting further humanitarian assistance and disaster relief stores to Vanuatu. After the 757 unloaded its cargo in Vanuatu, the jet reloaded with stranded tourists stuck in Vanuatu before flying to Auckland International Airport.

An RNZAF C-130H Hercules departing Base Auckland for Vanuatu | Photo: Noah Stohr-Waldren

Alongside the RNZAF, the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) deployed two aircraft to the island nation.

The RAAF deployed a C-17A Globemaster and a C-130J Super Hercules to support Vanuatu after the quake.

The aircraft carried disaster relief supplies to Vanuatu before returning to Australia with many Australians who were caught up in the disaster earthquake.

In response to requests from the Vanuatu Government, Australia has deployed a $2 million immediate response package, which includes a 64-person Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) and two canines, to undertake urban search and rescue operations. 

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese later said in a statement on Wednesday night that Australia stands ready to provide further assistance in Vanuatu's time of need.

Australia is working closely with France and New Zealand under the FRANZ Arrangement on damage assessments and to coordinate our ongoing assistance and support the Vanuatu Government-led response.