WELLINGTON, Nov. 17 (Xinhua) -- Warships from Australia, Canada and the United States have arrived at the quake-stricken town of Kaikoura to help with the relief operation, the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) said on Thursday.
Their arrival came as attempts to reach the town by land suffered a setback from fresh landslides and worsening weather.
Australian frigate HMAS Darwin, Canadian frigate HMCS Vancouver and U.S. destroyer USS Sampson arrived overnight with New Zealand navy frigate HMNZS Te Kaha.
The ships, with total crews of about 660 and carrying four helicopters between them, would help in the cleanup, deliver vital aid supplies and assist in welfare checks in isolated communities in the area in the northeast of the South Island, said Major General Tim Gall, the Commander Joint Forces New Zealand.
"The ships, crews and maritime helicopters provided by our partner militaries have given us a great deal of flexibility in supporting the national relief effort," Gall said.
Kaikoura, a major tourist destination, was cut off in Monday's 7.5-magnitude quake when massive landslides wiped out road and rail links to the town, although the southern road was opened to emergency vehicles on Wednesday.
Poor weather, further cracks on the road and risks of further landslides halted a convoy of 27 NZDF trucks that left Christchurch Thursday, carrying vital aid supplies for quake-damaged communities.
Another survey would be conducted before the convoy was allowed to proceed to Kaikoura, said Gall.
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