Earthquakes and RNZAF Choppers put to good use

Earthquakes in NZ: Air force choppers see use, and international Naval aid steam in

An earthquake measuring 7.5 on the richter scale rocked NZ's North and South islands, causing slips in the hills surrounding Kaikoura, thrusting the sea-bed up, and isolating the township. 

Visitors and locals alike were trapped in the town. Locals resorted to serving the abundant crayfish of the area to hungry people. 

NZ deployed their NH90 military helicopters, and the USS Sampson (DG102, a guided missle destroyer) has sailed down from Auckland to assist with it's two on-board choppers:

 The USS Sampson was scheduled to arrive in Auckland to celebrate the Navy's 75th birthday but will now respond to the disaster in Kaikoura. The historic visit from American warship is the first in 33 years since the ANZUS security alliance break-up due to NZ's stance on nuclear powered and armed vessels.

NZ Prime Minister John Key arriving in Kaikoura

Australia is also sending a ship to Kaikoura, HMAS Darwin which has a Seahawk helicopter to support the evacuation effort.

The HMNZS Wellington is off Kaikoura to survey the sea bed, The HMNZS Canterbury is also on its way to Kaikoura and docked at at 9am. The HMNZS Te Kaha and the a frigate the HMNZS Endeavour will assist with quake recovery as well.

NZ's largest ship, the HMNZS Canterbury is in Kaikoura assisting

HMAS Darwin in Sydney