Islamabad: A Pakistani army helicopter carrying six people, including a top general, went missing during a rescue and relief mission in the country’s flood-hit Balochistan province, the military said.
In a statement issued late on Monday, the military said that the army aviation helicopter lost contact with a regional control tower and was missing.
The six-member crew included Commander 12 XII Corps Lieutenant General Sarfaraz Ali, director general of the Pakistan Coast Guard, Major General Amjad Hanif Satti, and four other crew members including the pilot Major Saeed and co-pilot Major Talha. The helicopter was reported missing while monitoring flood relief operations in Lasbela, Balochistan.
Search continues
The search continues for six passengers who are feared dead. Local police said there has been no trace of the chopper after the nightlong search operation that began on Monday. Balochistan authorities also said that they faced difficulties in carrying out search and rescue operations due to the rugged mountainous region.
Despite little hope, the search-and-rescue operation still continues and there was no official confirmation by Tuesday morning on the wreckage or any of those aboard the chopper believed to be Eurocopter AS350 Ecureuil.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Dr. Arif Alvi expressed concern over the incident and prayed for the safe return of the officials. “The nation prays to Allah for the safety, security and return of the sons of the country who came out to help the flood victims,” Sharif tweeted. Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Abdul Quddus Bizenjo directed the district administration and police in Lasbela to use all means necessary to find the missing helicopter.
Armed forces leading rescue mission
Southern Pakistan has been hit hard by floods after unusual monsoon rains that have killed 478 people and destroyed or damaged nearly 36,500 homes in Pakistan since mid-June. Balochistan has been hit hardest with at least 136 deaths reported, according to the disaster management agency. The devastating floods prompted the military, navy, and air force to mobilise their personnel and assets to assist in civilian relief operations in the province, evacuating thousands of marooned people and delivering food and relief items to victims families.
