Defence Responds to Tropical Cyclone Yasi

The Australian Defence Force (ADF) is responding to the imminent landfall of Category 5 Tropical Cyclone Yasi in Northern Queensland, and has established a Joint Task Force (JTF) for Operation YASI ASSIST in support of Emergency Management Queensland.

JTF664 was established today, under the command of Brigadier Stuart Smith, Commander of the Townsville based 3rd Brigade.

“We are maintaining close liaison with state government authorities and are prepared to provide support to emergency services if requested,” said Brigadier Smith.

“Specialist aviation, engineering, health and logistic assets are on standby to enable an effective ADF response,” said Brigadier Smith.

In addition to transferring patients from Cairns to Brisbane overnight onboard two Royal Australian Air Force C-130 Hercules and two C-17 Globemasters, the ADF has assisted the Queensland Police Service with door-knocks and providing advice to occupants whose properties are under threat, transporting emergency rations from Townsville to Cairns for use in evacuation centres, and transferring close to 50 elderly Townsville nursing home residents yesterday.

The ADF continues to review the situation in coordination with Emergency Management Queensland and will provide requested support within available resources.

ENDS

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