Shocked by ferocity of tsunami
IN 37 years of service with the New Zealand Army, Te Araroa’s Errol Clarke had never served on a humanitarian mission until he deployed to Samoa in support of the tsunami relief operation.
Captain Clarke has served on peace support operations in Africa and the Middle East but says the deployment to Samoa was different to anything else he has done in his military career.
“The devastation done by the tsunami was shocking to see. It’s hard to imagine what kind of force can do that damage,” he said.
“In parts it looked like someone had come along with a steamroller and just flattened things out. It is hard to believe that water could do that.
“It was great to be there and to be able to contribute to helping the people of Samoa.”
While in Samoa, Captain Clarke was responsible for co-ordinating the efforts of NZDF personnel from the Royal New Zealand Navy, New Zealand Army and Royal New Zealand Air Force in assisting the people of Samoa.
“It was all about helping a nation get back on its feet. The experience was really positive.
“The things we were doing to help people was reflected by the locals smiling and their appreciation of our involvement.
“It’s good to be part of this mission.”
More than 150 personnel from the navy, army and air force helped the governments of Samoa and Tonga by working with NZAID, the Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, NZ Police, the Ministry of Pacific Island Affairs, NZ Customs, The Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management, NGOs and the Australian Defence Force.