The SCDF Operation Lionheart Contingent arrived at Minangkabau International Airport, 23km northwest of Padang, at 2130 hrs (Local Time) on 2 October 2009. The 42-member strong rescue contingent set up base camp in Padang, where they were briefed on the latest situation.

Following ground assessment done at several locations yesterday, the SCDF teams were deployed this morning, to carry out search and rescue operations at two locations. A 11-man team led by DART Commander LTC Alvin Tan, has been deployed to the collapsed Hotel Dipo International (a 4 storey building), southern area outside of Padang. SCDF search dogs were used to detect the possibility of victims trapped under the rubbles of the collapsed building. The team is currently carrying out search and rescue operations using fibre-optic scope and pneumatic drill.

A second 13-man team, led by Contingent Commander LTC Kadir Maideen is currently carrying out search and rescue operations at a collapsed library (4 storey building), opposite Hotel Dipo International. The search dogs were also deployed at this site.