Pakistan
KP Govt Helicopter Crashes in Mohmand, Five Crew Killed
A helicopter of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government on a relief mission crashed near Chengai Banda in the Sokai area of Mohmand district on Friday, killing all five crew members on board, officials said.
According to Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, the MI-17 helicopter was carrying relief goods for rain-affected areas of Bajaur when it went down in the Pandiyali area due to bad weather.
“Five crew members, including two pilots, were killed,” he said in a statement.
The aircraft, which had been engaged in rescue operations in Mohmand, lost contact with authorities during poor weather, prompting a search operation.
It had been deployed to evacuate stranded residents and deliver medicines and other essential supplies to flood-hit areas.
Officials said another helicopter had been dispatched to assist with relief work in Buner district, where heavy monsoon rains caused severe flooding, trapping residents on rooftops.
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PM orders urgent relief for KP flood victims
The provincial government has declared an emergency in view of the devastation caused by the ongoing monsoon spell.
Shelters have been set up in government buildings while hospitals and medical staff have been placed on high alert.
According to the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), at least 202 people have lost their lives in KP, including 78 in Buner, after a cloudburst triggered flash floods in Malakand Division and adjoining areas.
The downpour destroyed homes, buildings and farmland, while relief operations by PDMA, Rescue 1122 and other agencies continue.
