Touching photos show locals' gratitude as the NZDF rescues 100 survivors from tsuami-hit Palu

The New Zealand Defence Force have evacuated over 100 survivors from Palu, Indonesia, after the city was hit by an earthquake and tsunami last week.

With many survivors having slept outdoors since the earthquake hit earlier this week, the Royal New Zealand Air Force's arrival was welcomed, with the C-130 Hercules aircraft bringing over 10 tonnes of aid to the city.

Flight lieutenant Dave Natapu spoke about the scale of the two disasters, having captained the aircraft to Palu.

"There was a palpable sense of relief from the evacuees when they got into our Herc," Flight Lieutenant Natapu said.

"They erupted in cheers and gave a thumbs-up sign before we took off.

"The scale of destruction was worse than I had anticipated."

Major Tim Gall said that the Hercules and a 14-member detachment of the NZDF will stay and continue to aid and evacuate those in Palu.

International aid to Palu continues to operate out of Balikpapan, 380km west of the ravaged city.