Three Aussies Missing In Christchurch

THERE are continuing concerns for three Australians known to have been in Christchurch when the disastrous earthquake struck, the Department of Foreign Affairs and trade (DFAT) says.

That follows confirmation that a New Zealand citizen who was a long-time Australian resident had been killed.

A DFAT spokeswoman said the unnamed man was working in the Pyne Gould Guinness Building and was trapped in debris when the building collapsed.

She said there were concerns for another three Australians known to have been in the downtown Christchurch area and who have not yet been located.

So far DFAT’s Consular Emergency Centre has taken 7761 calls and registered 2588 Australian cases in the Christchurch Crisis.

“We have confirmed the safety of 1233 Australians,” she said in a statement.

Currently 14 DFAT staff are in Christchurch, including the High Commissioner, to assist Australians.

“Australian High Commission staff in Wellington and Australian officials in Christchurch are trying to urgently confirm the safety and welfare of Australians registered in the Christchurch area and are contacting registered Australians,” she said.

Currently 143 NSW and Queensland Urban Search and Rescue personnel are in Christchurch helping with rescue operations.

An Australian Medical Assistance Team (AUSMAT) is expected to deploy 25 people to Christchurch today. The team comprises six emergency department doctors, 12 nurses, two surgeons and five support staff.

“We’re also deploying a 75-bed medical field hospital with six surgical, medical and support staff,” she said.

The spokeswoman said there had been a request from NZ Police for Australia to provide 300 police to assist in community policing.

The deployment will likely be a mix of 55 AFP officers, 100 Victorian Police and 150 NSW Police.

“We anticipate that the police will deploy on Friday for an initial deployment of two weeks,” she said.

The spokeswoman said RAAF aircraft which transported urban search and rescue teams to Christchurch would have some limited capacity to transport Australians wishing to return to Australia.

It’s estimated about 90 Australians will be on these flights.