Asian Tsunami

Defence written question – answered at on 18 January 2005.

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Photo of Mr Llew Smith Mr Llew Smith Labour, Blaenau Gwent

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence on what date his Department first considered providing logistical support and heavy-lifting helicopters to countries hit by the Indian Ocean tsunami; and what assessment has been made of the merits of the re-deployment of personnel and equipment from Iraq to disaster-hit countries.

Photo of Adam Ingram Adam Ingram Minister of State (Armed Forces), Ministry of Defence

Ministry of Defence officials and Ministers initially learned of the Indian Ocean earthquake through departmental duty officers and broadcast media on Boxing Day 2004. The first formal contact to discuss the implications of the earthquake occurred between DfID and MOD officials early that day. Over subsequent days, MOD and the Permanent Joint Headquarters explored options for supporting DfID in the relief operation, culminating in decisions to provide military capabilities—particularly airlift and a maritime presence—on 30 December. Deployment of military assets commenced on 30 December. This included the re-deployment of several assets including HMS Chatham and RFA Diligence to aid the relief effort.

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