Embassy of Japan Press Release

16 November 2016

Dispatch of Japan Disaster Relief Team (JSDF Unit) in Response to the Earthquake in the South Island of New Zealand

1. In light of the magnitude 7.5 earthquake in the early hours of Monday, the Government of Japan, upon request from the Government of New Zealand, has decided to dispatch one Japan Maritime Self Defence Forces P-1 surveillance aircraft currently visiting New Zealand as a Japan Disaster Relief Team (JSDF Unit) to assist in recovery efforts by the New Zealand Defence Force.

2. The P-1 aircraft, which is based in the RNZAF Base in Whenuapai, Auckland, already conducted its first flight in the Kaikoura region yesterday, 15 November, from around 5 pm to 9 pm, providing the counterparts in the New Zealand recovery effort with surveillance footage necessary for swift and accurate damage and relief needs assessment.

3. The P-1 Japan Disaster Relief Team will continue performing aerial surveillance operations of the earthquake affected areas. The duration of operations will be decided according to the needs and upon consultation with the Government of New Zealand.