ISLAMABAD: A Pakistan army helicopter carrying six officials including a Sr commander went missing on Monday during flood relief efforts in the southwest of the country, the military said in a statement.
This year, Pakistan has been severely affected by above-average monsoon rains and devastating flooding, which have already claimed hundreds of lives and caused devastation, especially in the region of Balochistan. There, the army has participated in rescue and relief operations.
According to a statement from the military, "A Pakistan army aviation helicopter that was on flood relief operations in Lasbela, Balochistan lost touch" with air traffic control.
Although it said that there were six personnel on board, including "Commander 12 Corps who was coordinating flood relief efforts in Balochistan," it made no mention of any potential mishaps for the helicopter.
The premier expressed sadness over the lack of basic amenities, such as food and water, being offered to the victims of the recent flooding during his day-long visit to the province capital after visiting the camps put up for the flood affected.
The mandate was also given by the premier while he was visiting the tent city that had been erected in the Khusnob neighbourhood of the Qila Saifullah district to house flood victims.
Lt General Sarfraz Ali, the commander, is one of the most senior officers in the army and the highest army representative in the area.
The aircraft, which a senior local police source told AFP had been missing for at least six hours, was the subject of a search effort.
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