Three hundred international search and rescue people from four countries are in Christchurch following Tuesday's massive earthquake, Foreign Affairs Minister Murray McCully says.
Support from the United Sates is due to arrive overnight and from the United Kingdom tomorrow morning, boosting the number of people by 130.
``We welcome Australia's announcement that a field hospital is on its way and will arrive this afternoon,'' Mr McCully said.
``The field hospital will provide an additional 75 beds and relieve pressures created by the 150 beds out of commission at Christchurch Hospital.
``It will be staffed by some of the Australian medical personnel already on the ground and New Zealand medical personnel.''
Mr McCully said he deeply appreciated the offers of assistance New Zealand was still receiving.
Overseas rescuers in Christchurch are:
* From Australia -- two urban search and rescue teams totalling 142 -- 72 from New South Wales and 70 from Queensland, and three dogs. A disaster medical assistance team comprising 23 emergency and surgical staff;
* from Japan -- an urban search and rescue team of 67 with three dogs;
* from Taiwan -- an urban search and rescue team of 24 with two dogs;
* from Singapore -- the first part of an urban search and rescue team totalling 55 with four dogs. Another 116 Singaporean Defence Force members, who were already in New Zealand, are now helping with the security cordon around the Christchurch CBD;
* and from the United Kingdom -- six Fire Service search and rescue experts. The team was an advance party of an urban search and rescue team totalling 55 people.
Other members of the Singapore team and two C130 aircraft, which may be available to transport people from Christchurch to Auckland, are arriving today.
The field hospital will provide 75 beds.
An urban search and rescue team of 80 people, with 40 tonnes of equipment, is due to arrive at 1am from the United States.
The main party of a 55-strong team will arrive tomorrow at 10.30am, and 300 Australian police will arrive tomorrow as well to help with the security around the Christchurch CBD.
Christchurch Earthquake: 300 international rescuers in Christchurch
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