Fifteen people have died after a military helicopter providing rescue services during severe flooding in south Peru crashed on Sunday.
The Peruvian Air Force said the Mi-17 aircraft lost radio contact while operating in the Arequipa region, which has been hit by torrential rain and flash flooding.
Rescue teams found the wreckage in the Chala district on Monday, officials said. Seven children were among the 11 passengers and four crew members who died.
The helicopter had been deployed to support search and rescue efforts in the region as mudslides and overflowing rivers caused widespread damage.
Local media reported that some of the armed forces personnel on board had relatives accompanying them. One of the victims was three years old.
The Peruvian Air Force said: “Our deepest condolences to the family members, friends, and the entire FAP family for the irreparable loss of our crew and passengers.”
The aircraft had been travelling from the city of Pisco, in the Ica region, to Chala in Arequipa to carry out a support mission. It was found near Chala Viejo, a town close to the Pacific coast.
An investigation has been launched into the incident, officials said.
Torrential rain has caused intense flooding across Peru’s Arequipa region causing mudslides, flooded streets and homes and trees to collapse.
At least two people have died as a result of the storm’s impact, according to local media. An elderly women was carried away by floodwaters in the Cayma district, and a man died after being struck by lightning.
Arequipa’s regional governor, Rohel Sánchez, said local authorities had requested assistance from the national government because homes have been damaged and declared “uninhabitable”.
Dramatic footage from the region showed streams of mud and debris washing through residential streets and floodwater entering people’s homes.
Source: BBC
